Imagine a dish that combines hearty barley, protein-packed turkey ham, and fresh, crisp vegetables in one refreshing salad that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. This Turkey Ham and Barley Salad is not just another boring lunch option – it's a game-changing recipe that will transform your meal prep and tantalize your taste buds with its perfect blend of textures and flavors!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced turkey ham
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the barley for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the barley is tender but still slightly chewy.
- Remove the barley from heat and let it cool to room temperature, fluffing occasionally with a fork to prevent clumping.
- While the barley is cooling, dice the turkey ham into small, uniform cubes.
- Chop the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled barley, diced turkey ham, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the barley mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light and nutritious meal.
Tips
- Barley Cooking Hack: Rinse the pearl barley thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, separate texture.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the barley to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain crisp vegetable textures.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add extra herbs like dill or mint for an additional flavor dimension.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
- Serving Suggestion: For added protein, consider topping with crumbled feta cheese or adding some grilled chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
