Side Dish
Island-Style Barley Salad
This refreshing salad brings together hearty barley with vibrant tropical flavors for a perfect balance of texture and taste. It's an easy, healthy dish that’s great for warm days or as a colorful side at your next gathering.
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45 min
Total Time
♜
4
Servings
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Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Step 1
Start by bringing some water and half a teaspoon of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Once it’s boiling, add the barley, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the grains are tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain off any leftover water and set the barley aside to cool completely, which should take around 20 to 30 minutes.
2
Step 2
While the barley is cooling, take about a quarter of the mango and mash it up in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. Stir in the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and another half teaspoon of salt to make a zesty dressing.
3
Step 3
Once the barley has cooled, add it to the bowl along with the rest of the mango (cut into chunks), black beans, grape tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Give everything a good toss so all the flavors come together nicely. Let it sit for a bit if you can, to let the flavors meld before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a refreshing blend of hearty barley and vibrant island flavors. It’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. The mix of textures and bright ingredients keeps every bite interesting and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled fish or chicken. It also pairs well with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple on the side. For a complete meal, add some toasted nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch.
Storage Tips
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any dressing separate if possible to maintain the freshest taste and texture. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of fresh lime juice if needed.
