Zesty Southwestern Barley Salad
This colorful and flavorful Southwestern Barley Salad is a perfect complement to grilled steak, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to your meal. Packed with protein-rich black beans, sweet corn, and juicy plum tomatoes, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Brightened with herbs and a zesty dressing, it stands out as a healthy side dish that can also serve as a light main course. Easy to prepare, this salad is sure to become a favorite for summer gatherings and barbecues.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked barley
3 cups (cooked and cooled)
black beans
1 can (rinsed and drained)
corn
1 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen)
plum tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (chopped and seeded)
cilantro or basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
scallion
1/2 cup (sliced)
salt & pepper
to taste
water
1/2 cup
lemon juice or lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
cumin
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, cilantro or basil, and sliced scallions. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water, lemon juice (or lime juice), olive oil, chopped garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt & pepper to taste until well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the barley salad and toss to coat evenly.
4
Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Barley Salad?
It is a colorful and flavorful grain-based salad featuring cooked barley, black beans, corn, and a zesty citrus dressing.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and also appears to be vegan as it contains no animal products.
How much cooked barley is needed?
You will need 3 cups of cooked and cooled barley for this recipe.
Can I use frozen corn for this salad?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of either fresh or frozen corn.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can of black beans, which should be rinsed and drained.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Plum tomatoes are recommended; you will need 1 1/2 cups chopped and seeded.
Which herbs work best in this salad?
You can use 1/4 cup of either chopped cilantro or basil depending on your preference.
What kind of onions are included?
The salad uses 1/2 cup of sliced scallions for a mild onion flavor.
How is the dressing made?
The dressing is made by whisking together water, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for 3 tablespoons of either freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of chopped garlic.
What spices give the salad its Southwestern flavor?
A combination of 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin provides the Southwestern profile.
Does the dressing contain water?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/2 cup of water as a base.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
The salad should sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, you can serve this salad either at room temperature or chilled.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy side dish packed with protein-rich beans and fiber-rich barley.
What is a good main dish to pair with this salad?
This salad is a perfect complement to grilled steak or other barbecued meats.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, while it works as a side, it is hearty enough to serve as a light main course.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple mixing and whisking steps.
Should the barley be hot or cold when mixing?
The barley should be cooked and cooled before combining it with the other salad ingredients.
How many ingredients are in the salad?
There are a total of 13 ingredients including the salad base and the dressing components.
Do I need to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the plum tomatoes should be chopped and seeded.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.
Is this a good dish for summer barbecues?
Yes, its fresh ingredients and vibrant touch make it a favorite for summer gatherings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cooked barley, beans, corn, tomatoes, herbs, and scallions in a large bowl.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-distributed?
After pouring the dressing over the salad, you should toss it gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
What type of grain is used?
This recipe specifically uses barley, a chewy and nutritious whole grain.
Is this salad high in protein?
Yes, it is packed with protein-rich black beans.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this salad or its dressing.