Lemon Parsley Barley
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly wholesome, Lemon Parsley Barley is the perfect balance of refreshing flavors and hearty nutrition. This vibrant dish combines tender pearl barley with a simple yet flavorful dressing made from fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, minced garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. Tossed with a generous handful of chopped parsley and a dash of freshly ground black pepper, every bite offers a pop of citrusy freshness and herbal charm. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's a versatile recipe that can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled as a side dish or light salad. Optional Parmesan adds a creamy, savory touch to this quick, healthy dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a bright addition to your table. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly recipe or an easy barley side dish, Lemon Parsley Barley is sure to become a go-to favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pearl barley
- 3 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Optional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Rinse the pearl barley under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any impurities.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the barley simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the barley is cooking, use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, ensuring you only remove the yellow outer layer. Then, juice the lemon and set the zest and juice aside.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil to create a light dressing.
Finely chop the parsley and set it aside.
Once the barley is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
Drizzle the lemon and garlic dressing over the warm barley and gently toss to combine.
Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper, tossing again to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust for salt, if needed. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a refreshing salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.7 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 295 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 127 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
