Salad and summers go hand in hand. Although technically , as I write this post its raining heavily since 2 days where I live. But its summer the rest of the Northern Hemisphere and barbecue and roasted veggies and salads make their appearance. And dishes like this Watermelon Cucumber Salsa and this Citrus Burst Salad making their appearance regularly.
Salads at home are mostly rustled and liked by the better half and I Personally love warm salads like today’s Barley Summer Salad with Roasted Veggies. The inspiration to use barley as a diabetic friendly ingredient actually came from my friend Archana’s Barley Bhelpuri. Apart from the usual Barley Water , Barley Sattu Sherbet (Summer Drink). Navdhanya (9 – grains) Adai, the Barley-Beet Cutlet on my Instagram feed and Barley Dosa (recipe coming soon!), we pretty much dont use Barley that much – something I am glad that has changed now.
But thanks to a pack that needed using up, I made this salad and another dish that features barley as a star ingredient. Barley as a grain has amazing health benefits as listed here, chief amongst them being diabetic friendly. Barley packs lignans, a group of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of cancer and heart disease. Barley’s high fibre content may also help prevent gallstones
If you have cooked pearl barley on hand, this salad takes less than 5-10 mins from start to finish.
TIP: Reserve that cooked water to make a porridge. Or just drink it up as is in small quantities to beat the heat), As this was my main meal, I have used a larger quantity and medium spice. One can always add or subtract ingredients as preferred.
PIN FOR LATER
Prep time – 10 mins, Soak + Cook time – overnight + 15 mins. Serves – 1~2
You need:
Cooked Pearl Barley – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
Vinaigrette – lemon juice 1 tsp, Salt.pepper, Red chilli flakes, Olive Oil 1 tsp – whisked well
Bell peppers – 1/4 cup
Onions – 1/2 medium (sliced thin)
Cucumbers – 2 TBSP
Kiwi (orchard fruits like pear / Apples work well) – 4 TBSP
I put together a short stop-motion video below with help from my daughter to assemble this quick and delicious salad. Hope you would also like this!
How to:
In a non stick pan or on an open flame, roast peppers till slightly charred. (or toss them with warm olive oil for 1-2 mins). Cool and chop into bite sized pieces.
In a bowl, add the vinaigrette and the veggies. Mix well.
Add the tossed peppers . kiwi and barley and stir once again
Check for salt and pepper / spice. Serve immediately along side any grilled meats or serve as a meal by itself on a hot summer day!
I have yet to try my hands on barley dishes. This warm barley salad with kiwi and peppers sounds so nutritious. I like the fact that salad is very easy and looks colorful as well.
do try Poonam ! I am sure you would like it too
Barley is very healthy. Nice way to add it in our salads Simple and healthy bowl. I like the combo of fruits and vegetables in my salads, specially kiwi as it has a bit of tanginess too.
Super salad. Bookmarked
It has been such a long time since I have had barley. This salad is a super delicious way to have it.
Brilliant way to use barley! I love that you have used roasted peppers and kiwi here. Can imagine the beautiful flavours and textures here. 🙂
This year have not been able to get pearl barley and miss it. I usually make salads with it. Your Warm Barley Summer Salad looks so inviting with roasted pepper and kiwi. Colorful,healthy and filling.
I have never worked my hands on barley though I know it is very nutritious and healthy. Loved the use of kiwi in this salad .
Nice salad. It looks healthy and filling. I have never tried barley, must use it sometime.
Such a healthy pack of salad. first time seeing a salad with Barley grain, your way of using the veggies and nutritions ingredients is awesome.
Healthy and filling salad with barley , peppers and cucumber. And a twist with the addition of kiwi, looks very refreshing
Such a healthy salad Kalyani, adding barley in salad in good idea. Loved the tangy taste of kiwi and crunchy taste of bell pepper & cucumber in this salad.
Barley is such a coolant and it is usually had during hot summer months. This is such an interesting salad with it. Never tried it before. must try
This warm barley salad looks super tempting. Hearty meal in itself . Lovely combination of all the flavours .
Hey that looks delicious. Makes me want to get a package of barley Just for the salad. Thanks for the shout.
Never tried barley in salads and this looks so healthy. Such a flavorful and nutritious salad. Would love to try sometime
Such a healthy salad Kalyani fisrt of all. I have never tried yet barley in salad. I would love to make sometime !
I always loved the bite to the barley grains.I am sure, The addition of kiwi brings a tangy sweetness to the salad. Love it.
Such a healthy salad. Never tried barley and kiwi.. Sounds interesting and yummy. Will try soon.