Barley Vegetarian Salad with Tomato and Basil
Enjoy this barley vegetarian salad with tomato and basil, a practical, refreshing, and versatile recipe for warmer days. Ideal both as a side dish in your meals or as a light main course, it perfectly harmonizes the fresh flavors of cherry tomato and basil with the unique texture of barley.
Healthy Ingredients and Easy Preparation
To prepare this tasty salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium onion diced into small cubes (150 g)
- 1 clove of garlic finely chopped
- 1½ cups of barley, washed and drained (approximately 300 g)
- 1 liter of water (adjust as needed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (30 ml)
- ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil (about 60 ml)
- 24 ripe red cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves (about 3 large stems)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 250 g of buffalo mozzarella in medium pieces or fresh Minas cheese in cubes
For those who cannot find barley in conventional supermarkets, natural product stores are great options. Alternatively, brown rice or seven-grain mix can also be used.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Cooking the barley is similar to cooking brown rice, but with a longer cooking time — about 45 minutes to 1 hour after boiling. Check the grain’s texture frequently to ensure they are soft yet still firm and loose.
If necessary, add water gradually during cooking to prevent it from drying out too much.
After cooking, drain the excess liquid using a sieve to avoid making the salad watery.
In a bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper and stir until dissolved. Add the olive oil and incorporate the barley while still warm, mixing well to enhance the flavor.
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Then, adjust the seasoning if needed and let the mixture cool slightly. Gently add the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. If desired, also mix in the buffalo mozzarella for a creamier and tastier combination.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to intensify.
To make it easier, you can prepare the seasoned barley in advance — it can last up to 2 days in the fridge — and only add the tomatoes, basil, and cheese close to serving time.
Tips to Vary and Customize Your Salad
- For a delicious vegan version, substitute the cheese with marinated tofu cubes or simply omit it.
- Parmesan shavings are an excellent alternative for those who prefer a stronger flavor and a different texture.
- Try seasoning with other fresh herbs, like mint or parsley, for a new take on the recipe.
Conclusion
This vegetarian barley salad with tomato and basil is a nutritious, practical, and flavorful option to include in your menu. Besides being easy to prepare, it combines natural and fresh ingredients, perfect for a balanced and light diet.
Don’t forget to also try other light dishes such as Moroccan couscous salad or chickpea salad with walnuts and dried fruits to complement your meals with variety and health.