Get ready to transform your everyday salad into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers! This Pear Almond Barley Salad is not just a dish—it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will make you fall in love with healthy eating. Imagine the perfect balance of nutty barley, sweet juicy pears, crunchy toasted almonds, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty vinaigrette that will make your palate dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley, cooked
- 2 ripe pears, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the barley according to package instructions. Typically, rinse 1 cup of barley under cold water, then combine with 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes until barley is tender but still chewy.
- Once barley is cooked, drain any excess water and let it cool to room temperature. You can spread it on a large baking sheet to help it cool faster and prevent clumping.
- While the barley is cooling, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, toasting until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Wash and dice the ripe pears into small, uniform cubes. For best results, choose pears that are ripe but still firm to maintain their shape in the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled barley, diced pears, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Select ripe but firm pears to maintain their shape and prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Watch your almonds closely when toasting—they can burn quickly. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Cool Barley Properly: Spread the cooked barley on a baking sheet to cool faster and prevent clumping.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after the flavors have melded, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like dried cranberries or fresh herbs to make it your own unique creation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
