Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the barley in cold water and drain.
2. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the barley and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain any excess water and let the barley cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled barley, feta cheese, parsley, mint, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the barley mixture and toss to coat.
7. Serve chilled.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quinoa or farro can be substituted for barley
- Goat cheese or blue cheese can be substituted for feta cheese
- Dill or basil can be substituted for mint
- Red bell pepper can be substituted for cherry tomatoes
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Add roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
- Add chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for crunch
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the barley thoroughly to remove any debris
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices of cucumber for a delicate texture
- Make the salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the dressing for a few hours for maximum flavor
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Serve chilled
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates
- Garnish with extra herbs or crumbled cheese
Garnishes:
- Extra herbs such as parsley or mint
- Crumbled cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the barley is too chewy, cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the barley thoroughly to remove any debris
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Food history:
- Barley has been used as a food source for thousands of years and was one of the first cultivated grains
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty and earthy from the barley
- Tangy and salty from the feta cheese
- Fresh and herbaceous from the parsley and mint
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as a light lunch
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