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
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
137.5kcal (6.88%)
Protein
4.5g (9%)
Carbs
30.0g (10.91%)
Sugars
2.5g (5%)
Healthy Fat
1.3g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
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.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
137.5kcal (6.88%)
Protein
4.5g (9%)
Carbs
30.0g (10.91%)
Sugars
2.5g (5%)
Healthy Fat
1.3g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
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
How do I cook pearl barley for a roasted vegetable salad?
To cook pearl barley for your roasted vegetable salad, combine 1 cup of dry pearl barley with 2 1/2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until the barley is tender yet chewy. Make sure to drain any excess water before mixing it with the roasted vegetables.
Can I make a gluten-free version of the roasted vegetable and barley salad?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version of this salad by substituting pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice. Both options will provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the roasted vegetables and dressing beautifully.
What is the best way to store leftover roasted vegetable and barley salad?
To store leftover roasted vegetable and barley salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated. Just be mindful that the vegetables may lose some of their crispness when reheated.
What can I pair with roasted vegetable and barley salad for a complete meal?
Roasted vegetable and barley salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty bean dish for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a light soup or as a side dish to a main course for added flavor and nutrition.
What are some good substitutions for feta cheese in this salad?
If you're looking for substitutions for feta cheese in the roasted vegetable and barley salad, consider using crumbled goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. These options will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to complement the salad.
Loading reviews...
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...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia