Mediterranean Barley Salad with Roasted Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
This vibrant Mediterranean Barley Salad with Roasted Corn and Cherry Tomatoes is a hearty and healthy dish perfect for lunch or as a side snack. Packed with the freshness of basil, the nuttiness of pearl barley, and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, this salad is both satisfying and flavorful. The addition of roasted corn adds a delightful crunch, making it a perfect dish for warm weather gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Best of all, it can be made in advance and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Servings
333
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
pearl barley
1 cup (rinsed)
basil leaves
1 cup (tightly packed)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
olive oil
1/3 cup (extra virgin recommended)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cherry tomatoes
3 cups (halved)
corn kernels
2 cups (fresh or frozen (thawed))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the rinsed pearl barley. Cook uncovered for about 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender, stirring occasionally.
2
Once cooked, drain the barley and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
3
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled barley with the basil mixture, ensuring the barley is well coated.
5
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and corn kernels, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to two days to allow flavors to deepen.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
50g
Carbs
13g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Barley Salad with Roasted Corn and Cherry Tomatoes?
It is a hearty and healthy dish featuring pearl barley, fresh basil, parmesan, roasted corn, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for lunch or as a side.
How long does it take to cook the pearl barley?
The pearl barley should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 50 minutes or until it becomes tender.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, this salad is ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to two days to allow the flavors to deepen.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 333 calories per serving.
What type of dressing is used for this barley salad?
The dressing is a homemade basil pesto-style mixture made of basil leaves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh corn kernels or frozen corn that has been thawed.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 7g of fiber per serving.
What are the main vegetables included in this salad?
The primary vegetables are cherry tomatoes and corn kernels.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being folded into the salad.
What kind of oil is recommended for the basil mixture?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How do I stop the barley from cooking further?
After draining the cooked barley, rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
A food processor is required to blend the basil, parmesan, olive oil, and garlic until smooth.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There is 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much pearl barley is needed?
You will need 1 cup of rinsed pearl barley.
What gives the salad its nutty flavor?
The nuttiness comes from the pearl barley.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the final mixture and adjust the salt and black pepper to your preference.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The roasted corn kernels add a delightful crunch to the dish.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of tightly packed basil leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for warm weather gatherings?
Yes, its fresh ingredients and chilled serving option make it perfect for summer events.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
The provided nutritional data does not list any added sugar.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.
How much corn is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of corn kernels.
How many cherry tomatoes do I need?
You will need 3 cups of cherry tomatoes.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the rinsed pearl barley.