Greek Barley Salad

This vibrant Greek Barley Salad is a refreshing and nutritious spin on classic Mediterranean flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. Featuring tender pearled barley as the hearty base, this salad is infused with crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a hint of garlic and oregano, every bite bursts with bold and balanced flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this chilled salad makes an ideal side dish or light vegetarian main course, packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a healthy lunch idea, this Greek Barley Salad brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pearled barley
• 3 cups Water
• 1 large Cucumber
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 medium Red onion
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
• 0.75 cup Feta cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the barley under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess dust or starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the pearled barley and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes or until tender.

Step 3

Once cooked, drain any excess water and let the barley cool to room temperature.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. Set aside.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Add the cooled barley to the mixing bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7

Add the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the barley. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1579.3 grams (1579.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1877

Total Fat 113.50g	146%
Saturated Fat 27.20g	136%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 3962mg	172%
Total Carbohydrate 188.00g	68%
Dietary Fiber 43.70g	156%
Total Sugars 11.50g
Protein 39.50g	79%

Vitamin D 18IU	90%
Calcium 862mg	66%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 1491mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.9%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 38.9%