Pearl Barley Salad with Pine Nuts

Name: Pearl Barley Salad with Pine Nuts
Ingredients: 250 ml (1 cup) pearl barley; 55 gm (1/3 cup) pine nuts, toasted; 125 ml (1/2 cup) black olives, pitted and halved; 250 gm cherry tomatoes, halved; handful of wild rocket leaves; 100 gm feta cheese, crumbled; lemon basil dressing:; 1 glove of garlic, finely minced; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice; 80 ml (1/3 cup) olive oil; pinch of salt and a good grinding of black pepper; 60 ml (1/4 cup) basil leaves chopped

The toasted pine nuts give the dish such a good crunch. With the added flavour of cherry tomatoes, black olives and feta cheese this is quite a sensational vegetarian lunch dish.

Published 30 March 2023

Method

Cook the barley in a big saucepan of lightly salted boiling water until just tender. About 30 minutes. Drain, then rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
Make the dressing. Place all the ingredients in a screw top glass jar and shake well.
Combine the barley with the pine nuts, olives, tomatoes and wild rocket in a mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Correct the seasoning. Serve in bowls topped with feta cheese.