Herbed Barley Salad With Dates Recipes

BEET AND BARLEY SALAD WITH DATE-CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap the beets individually in foil. Bake until tender when pierced with a fork, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut into bite-size pieces.
• While the beets are roasting, make the barley: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the barley and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until al dente.
• While the barley is cooking, make the salad dressing: Squeeze the juice from the lemon (about 2 tablespoons) into a small bowl. Add the garlic and date honey, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the olive oil and set aside.
• When the barley is cooked, drain, rinse and drain again. Taste, adding more salt, if necessary, and let cool completely.
• When ready to serve, use your hands to gently mix the lettuce and herbs in a large salad bowl and scatter on the barley, beets, celery, cucumbers, shallots, figs and grapes. Top with the olives, pomegranate seeds and feta, and sprinkle on the dressing. Mix at the table and serve immediately.

HERBED BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Combine water, garlic and barley in a large pot.
• Bring to boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until barley is tender.
• Drain excess water.
• To make dressing, combine mustard, garlic and vinegar.
• Whisk together, then slowly whisk in olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Combine half of dressing with warm barley.
• Stir in vegetables and herbs.
• Toss with remaining dressing.
• Season to taste.