Best Squash Barley Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes

BARLEY SALAD WITH SQUASH

Steps:

• In a heavy 2 to 3 quart saucepan heat the vegetable oil; add the barley and cook the grain, stirring constantly, until it smells toasty. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Averting your face, add the water (it will bubble up furiously) Return the saucepan to the heat, cover and cook for about 2O to 25 minutes or until barley has absorbed the liquid and is just tender. Transfer the barley to a sieve and drain under cold water; pat dry and set aside.
• During the time it takes to cook the barley, peel, halve and seed the cucumbers and cut them into 1/2 inch half moons. Halve and seed the zucchini and yellow squash, cut them into 1/2 inch half moons and parboil them for a minute, drain and pat dry.
• In the bottom of a mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, vinegar and dill; season well with salt and pepper. To the dressing add the cooked barley, cucumbers and squash and toss well; adjust the seasoning.
• On the outside edge of a serving platter, make a ring of drained sliced pickled beets. Pile the barley salad in the middle and center some watercress leaves in the middle of the salad.

SIMPLE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Toss the greens, salt and pepper together with just enough vinaigrette to coat, about 1/2 cup. Place them in a decorative bowl and top with the grape tomatoes and bell pepper. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side.
• Put the shallot and basil into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until the shallot is finely chopped. Add the balsamic, sugar, salt and pepper and pulse again. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady stream through the feed tube. Pour the vinaigrette into a small bowl and serve.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD WITH WARM CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the butternut squash on a sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss. Roast the squash for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender. Add the cranberries to the pan for the last 5 minutes.
• While the squash is roasting, combine the apple cider, vinegar, and shallots in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cider is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Off the heat, whisk in the mustard, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
• Place the arugula in a large salad bowl and add the roasted squash mixture, the walnuts, and the grated Parmesan. Spoon just enough vinaigrette over the salad to moisten and toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH BALSAMIC VEGETABLES AND TOASTED PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, 15-18 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, saute carrots and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes, artichokes, zucchini, vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through, 8-10 minutes., When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve with bean mixture. Sprinkle with nuts.

BARLEY SALAD WITH SQUASH AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss squash with 2 teaspoons oil and season with salt and pepper; arrange in a single layer. On another rimmed baking sheet, toss broccoli with 2 teaspoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash on top rack and broccoli on bottom rack and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut squash slices in half.
• Meanwhile, cook barley according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
• In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons oil, lemon juice, and shallot; season with salt and pepper. Add squash, broccoli, barley, almonds, and raisins. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve topped with Parmesan.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Cut the squash lengthwise in half. Seed and cut it into 3- to 4-inch squares, with skin intact. Score the flesh with crosshatch cuts about 1/2 inch deep. Rub all over with olive oil.
• Set the pieces, skin side down, on the cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 45 minutes, or until easily pierced with knife and lightly browned. Serve hot or at room temperature, sprinkled with balsamic vinegar.