Chilled Vegetable and Barley Medley
This Chilled Vegetable and Barley Medley is a refreshing, nutritious salad that combines the wholesome goodness of pearl barley with vibrant, crisp vegetables. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Sobeys Our Compliments magazine, I've adapted it to enhance flavors that cater to our family's taste. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish at picnics, or a satisfying contribution to any potluck, this salad can be prepared ahead of time and is complemented by the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. It's a delightful and healthy option packed with fiber and vitamins!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
4 cups (Liquid, no preparation needed.)
pearl barley
1 1/4 cups (Rinse under cold water.)
English cucumber
1 (Halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and cut into medium dice.)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (Halved.)
celery
1 1/2 cups (Thinly sliced.)
fresh dill
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 cup (No preparation needed.)
salt
to taste (No preparation needed.)
pepper
to taste (No preparation needed.)
pine nuts or slivered almonds
1/2 cup (Toasted.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the pearl barley to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the barley is tender but still chewy.
3
Once cooked, drain the barley in a fine mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced English cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced celery.
5
Add the chopped fresh dill to the vegetable mixture.
6
Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
7
Once the barley has cooled, fold it into the vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
8
The salad can be prepared up to this point and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
9
Before serving, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for a delicious crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Vegetable and Barley Medley?
It is a refreshing, nutritious salad that combines pearl barley with vibrant, crisp vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and celery, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.
How much pearl barley is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of pearl barley.
How long does it take to cook the barley?
The barley takes approximately 40 minutes to cook in boiling broth until it is tender but chewy.
What liquid is used to cook the barley?
The barley is cooked in 4 cups of chicken broth to enhance its flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How should the English cucumber be prepared?
The English cucumber should be halved lengthwise, have its seeds removed, and then be cut into medium dice.
What type of tomatoes are used in this medley?
The recipe uses 1 pint of grape tomatoes, which should be halved.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced celery.
What fresh herb is recommended for this salad?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill is added to the vegetable mixture.
What kind of dressing is used?
The salad is dressed with 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
When should I add the nuts for the garnish?
The toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds should be sprinkled on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Why should I rinse the barley under cold water?
Rinsing the barley under cold water stops the cooking process and helps it cool down quickly for the salad.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, the salad can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What nuts are recommended for topping?
You can use either toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a nutty crunch.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
As the name suggests, this is a chilled dish meant to be served cold.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 10 ingredients including the seasonings and garnish.
Is the barley cooked covered or uncovered?
The barley is cooked uncovered over medium heat.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, you can add salt and pepper to taste when mixing the vegetables and dressing.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was adapted from a recipe in Sobeys Our Compliments magazine to cater to specific family tastes.
What should the texture of the barley be after cooking?
The barley should be tender but still have a chewy texture.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option packed with fiber from the barley and vitamins from the fresh vegetables.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Fresh dill is preferred for flavor, but you can use dried dill if necessary, though you should reduce the amount used.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is an excellent contribution to potlucks because it can be made ahead and travels well.
How should the celery be sliced?
The celery should be sliced thinly for the best texture in the salad.
Do I need to toast the nuts?
Yes, toasting the pine nuts or slivered almonds is recommended to enhance their flavor and crunch.
How much balsamic vinaigrette should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Barley contains gluten, so this is not gluten-free unless you substitute the barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
What should I do after the barley is cooked?
Drain it in a fine mesh sieve, rinse with cold water, and allow it to cool completely before mixing.
How many cups of chicken broth are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.