Barley Salad

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  cups pearl barley
• 10  cups water, about
• 1  green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1  red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1⁄3 cup  minced scallion
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped parsley
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh dill or 2  tablespoons tarragon or 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh thyme
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil or 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
• 3 -4  tablespoons lemon juice or 3 -4  tablespoons vinegar
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Place the barley in boiling water, cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 40 minutes).
2. Rinse under cold water and drain.
3. Stir in the bell peppers, scallions, parsley, and dill.
4. Combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and stir into barley.
5. Chill.
6. VARIATIONS: Barley& Chicken Salad: Add 2 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey.
7. Barley, Corn& Tomato Salad: Add 2 to 3 cups cooked corn kernels and 1 to 2 pints halved cherry tomatoes; and substitute 1 cup fresh basil leaves for the parsley in dressing.
8. Barley Vegetable Salad: Add any combination of 2 peeled, seeded, and chopped medium cucumbers, 2 cups cooked green peas, 1 cup cooked corn kernels, 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts and 2 chopped zucchini or yellow squash.