Lemon Herb Barley Garden Bowl (Printable Version)
Tender barley meets crisp vegetables in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. A wholesome, vibrant bowl perfect for any season.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup pearl barley
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
07 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
→ Herbs & Garnish
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Lemon Herb Dressing
13 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
14 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
16 - 1 garlic clove, minced
17 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
18 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse barley under cold water. Combine barley, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
02 - While barley cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, chop spinach, mince red onion, and chop fresh parsley, dill, and basil.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked barley, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, dill, and basil.
05 - Pour dressing over the barley mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
06 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls, garnished with crumbled feta cheese.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It captures that perfect balance between hearty grains and fresh garden brightness
- You can prep everything ahead and the flavors actually get better overnight
02 -
- Let the barley cool for at least 10 minutes before dressing it or the spinach will wilt too much
- The dressing might seem sharp at first but mellows beautifully into the grains
03 -
- Toasting the barley in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding water adds incredible nutty depth
- Massaging the kale or spinach with a little olive oil first makes it silkier