Barley and Vegetable Tabbouleh
A delightful Mediterranean-inspired salad that combines the earthy flavors of pearl barley and bulgur wheat with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. This Barley and Vegetable Tabbouleh offers a refreshing twist on the classic dish, marrying wholesome ingredients with zesty lemon and aromatic parsley. It's perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish for any meal. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is sure to impress with both its taste and presentation. Serve chilled for a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
1/2 cup (Rinsed)
bulgur wheat
1/2 cup (Soaked in boiling water)
shredded carrot
1/2 cup (Fresh)
red onion
1/4 cup (Minced)
cucumber
1 medium (Quartered and sliced)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (Halved (or cherry tomatoes, quartered))
parsley
2 cups (Minced)
lemons
2 (Zest and juice)
olive oil
1/4 cup (Extra virgin recommended)
salt and pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Add the pearl barley and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, drain the barley well and let it cool in the fridge.
2
In a separate bowl, soak the bulgur wheat in 2 cups of boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until it becomes soft and fluffy. After soaking, drain any excess water and chill the bulgur in the refrigerator.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled barley, bulgur, shredded carrot, minced red onion, sliced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, and minced parsley. Toss the mixture together gently to ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything well to combine, making sure each component is coated in the flavorful dressing.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barley and Vegetable Tabbouleh?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired salad that combines pearl barley, bulgur wheat, and a fresh medley of vegetables with a lemon-parsley dressing.
What are the main grains used in this recipe?
The main grains used are pearl barley and bulgur wheat.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Barley and Vegetable Tabbouleh is a vegetarian and nutritious plant-based dish.
How long does it take to cook the pearl barley?
The pearl barley should be cooked in boiling salted water for approximately 20 minutes until tender.
How should I prepare the bulgur wheat?
Soak the bulgur wheat in 2 cups of boiling water for about 15 minutes until it becomes soft and fluffy.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes shredded carrots, minced red onion, sliced cucumber, and halved grape tomatoes.
Can I substitute grape tomatoes with something else?
Yes, you can use quartered cherry tomatoes as a substitute for halved grape tomatoes.
How much parsley is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of minced fresh parsley.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing is made of lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It is best served chilled after refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a highly nutritious meal or side dish.
What occasions is this tabbouleh best for?
It is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy side dish for any meal.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be finely minced before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the recommended preparation for the cucumber?
The cucumber should be quartered and then sliced.
Do I need to rinse the barley?
Yes, the pearl barley should be rinsed before cooking.
How long should the salad chill in the refrigerator?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste to suit your personal preference.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
What gives the salad its zesty flavor?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest provides the zesty citrus flavor.
Are the shredded carrots cooked?
No, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh shredded carrots.
How much boiling water is used for the bulgur?
You should use 2 cups of boiling water to soak 1/2 cup of bulgur wheat.
What should the texture of the bulgur be after soaking?
After soaking for 15 minutes, the bulgur wheat should be soft and fluffy.
Is this a Mediterranean-style recipe?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean-inspired salad based on traditional tabbouleh.
Should the grains be cooled before mixing?
Yes, both the cooked barley and the soaked bulgur should be chilled or cooled before being combined with the fresh vegetables.
How many lemons are required?
The recipe requires the zest and juice of 2 lemons.
What should I do if there is excess water in the bulgur?
You should drain any excess water from the bulgur after it has finished soaking.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, because it contains whole grains like barley and bulgur wheat, it is rich in dietary fiber.
Can this be used as a side dish?
Absolutely, it works very well as a nutritious side dish or a light main course.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
The grape tomatoes should be cut in half before being added to the salad.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 primary ingredients, including the grains, vegetables, and dressing components.