Caprese Pearl Barley Salad
Get the flavors of a caprese salad but also a hit of protein and fiber from pearl barley — combine them into a delicious grain bowl salad!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearled barley
- 3 cups vegetable stock or water
- Mozzarella pearls (I love these BelGioioso fresh mozz pearls)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 cup loosely packed basil cut in ribbons
- 2 tbsp olive oil or extra virgin if you prefer
- 3 tbsp good balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the stock or water in a pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 35-40 minutes.
- In the meantime, slice the tomatoes, cut the basil, and separate the mozzarella pearls.
- Combine the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper and whisk til emulsified… or put it in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well to combine.
- When the barley is done cooking, drain out any excess liquid.
- Add the dressing and the tomatoes.
- Once the barley has cooled a bit, add the basil and mozzarella pearls.
- It can be served hot or cold. Season to taste.