Make-Ahead Barley Corn Salad

Summertime means making the most of relaxation time. The flavours of this salad are even better when it’s made ahead for the next day. It’s ideal for packing up for a picnic or potluck barbecue or to take to the cottage. Serve on the side of burgers, steak or chicken on the barbecue to keep the rest of dinner preparation simple.

Preparation time

20 minutes

Ready in

1 hr 5 min

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Makes

10 servings

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250 mL) pearl barley
  • Salt
  • 4 cups (1 L) Ontario Sweet Corn Kernels (about 4 to 6 cobs)
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) white or red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper
  • 3 large firm Ontario Tomatoes, cubed
  • Half large Ontario Sweet Green Pepper, chopped
  • 8 Ontario Green Onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves Ontario Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh Ontario Parsley
     

Instructions

In large saucepan, combine barley and 4 cups (1 L) water; season with salt to taste. Bring to boil over medium heat; reduce heat and boil gently for about 30 minutes, until almost tender. Add corn and boil for 5 minutes, until corn is tender crisp and barley is tender but still slightly chewy. Drain, if any liquid remains. Transfer to large bowl; let cool.

In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, cumin, pepper and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt.

Add tomatoes, green pepper, onions, garlic and half of the parsley to barley mixture; pour dressing over top. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 4 hours for flavour development or overnight. Serve garnished with remaining parsley.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving:

  • PROTEIN: 4 grams
  • FAT: 6 grams
  • CARBOHYDRATE: 27 grams
  • CALORIES: 173
  • FIBRE: 5 grams
  • SODIUM: 160 mg