This Warm Jeweled Barley Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delightful and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. The warm barley is mixed with colorful vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts, creating a beautiful jewel-like salad. Tossed with a tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad is packed with flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your taste buds. It is easy to prepare and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the barley and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the barley cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, dried cranberries, dried apricots, pistachios, pomegranate arils, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the honey mustard dressing over the barley mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve the warm jeweled barley salad immediately and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Barley is a versatile and nutritious grain that is high in fiber and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Dried cranberries and apricots add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad, while the pistachios provide a crunchy texture.
Pomegranate arils not only add a vibrant pop of color but also offer a burst of antioxidants and vitamins.
The combination of fresh herbs, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful and tangy dressing that complements the salad perfectly.