MEDITERRANEAN BARLEY SALAD

Mediterranean Barley Salad image

A great chilled whole-grain salad to serve with grilled chicken, or on its own for lunch. Can be improved with a combination of whole grains, but the barley works on its own.

Provided by Jessica Juren

Time 1h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 cup barley
2 ½ cups water
7 sun-dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
1 (4 ounce) can chopped black olives
2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

Bring barley and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the barley is tender, but still slightly firm in the center, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool to room temperature in a bowl.
Puree the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a blender until smooth. Pour over the barley. Fold in the cilantro, olives, and remaining olive oil until blended. Cover, and refrigerate until cold. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.6 calories, Carbohydrate 25.9 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 221.1 mg, Sugar 1.5 g