Pearl barley mushroom salad

Pearl barley mushroom salad is an easy weeknight meal that can be put together in minutes. Blend the unique umami taste of mushrooms with nutritious pearl barley for a delicious and simple meal!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pearl barley
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
• ¼ cup sweet onions (diced)
• ¼ cup red pepper (diced)
• ¼ cup yellow pepper (diced)
• Cilantro to taste, optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Pinch salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine water and barley in a saucepan. Add a generous pinch of salt if desired. Bring the water and barley to a boil over high heat. When the barley has reached a boil, lower the heat to a low simmer, cover, and continue to cook until the barley is done or tripled in size and soft.
2. While barley is cooking, sauté mushrooms, onions, and peppers. Add vegetable oil to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for five minutes until soft. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Finally, add red and yellow peppers and sauté for another five minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Place cooked barley and sautéed vegetables together in a bowl. To make the dressing, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk together. Add to barley and vegetables and stir well.
4. Enjoy!

Looking for extra protein? Add cooked tofu or chicken to this recipe!