A hearty and flavorful salad featuring roasted vegetables and pearl barley, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
A hearty and flavorful salad featuring roasted vegetables and pearl barley, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1cupdry pearl barley
- 2piecezucchini squash
- 1piecered bell pepper
- 1pieceyellow bell pepper
- 1piecemedium red onion
- 2tspharissa spice or baharat
- 3/4tspsmoked paprika
- 2piecescallions
- 1clovegarlic
- 2ozchopped fresh parsley
- 2tbspfresh squeezed lemon juice
Optional Ingredients
- Feta cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
How to make Roasted Vegetable and Barley Salad
Cooking Barley
Place pearl barley and 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 to 45 minutes until the barley is tender but maintains some chew.
Roasting Vegetables
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Place diced zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion on a large baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, 1 1/2 tsp harissa spice, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat.
Spread vegetables evenly in one layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the heated oven for about 25 minutes.
Assembling Salad
When barley is ready, drain any excess water. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp harissa spice, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Toss to combine.
Transfer cooked barley to a large mixing bowl. Add roasted veggies, chopped scallions, garlic, and fresh parsley.
Dress with lemon juice and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.
If desired, top with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts.
Serving
Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the barley is cooked to a tender consistency but still maintains some chew for the best texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa spice and smoked paprika to suit your taste preferences.
FAQS
Can I use other grains instead of pearl barley?
Yes, you can substitute pearl barley with other grains like quinoa, farro, or bulgur. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.
What vegetables can I use for roasting?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or broccoli. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even roasting.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Store the roasted vegetables and barley separately in the fridge, and combine them with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with this salad?
This roasted vegetable and barley salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or can be served as a main dish on its own for a hearty vegetarian meal.
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Saramin
(@678sarin)
My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes in creating easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, they make cooking accessible and enjoyable for cooks at any level. My name is Saramin is a culinary enthusiast with a flair for transforming everyday ingredients into delightful, flavour-packed dishes. Passionate about home cooking, Sarin specializes...
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