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WW Recipe of the Day: Easy Healthy Barley and Beet Salad
Barley is an understated gem.
Table of Contents
What is Pearl, or Pearled, Barley?
Pearl barley, or pearled barley, the most common form of barley, is whole grain barley that has been processed to remove its fibrous outer hull and polished to remove some or all of the bran layer. Similar to wheat in its caloric, protein, vitamin and mineral content, it is mostly used in soups and stews.
It’s gentle and nutty flavor and tender, chewy texture pairs well with any veggies, especially beets.
I used a medium red beet this time around, however candy-striped, golden and orange beets would be just as colorful and tasty.
I usually make this ahead and have it ready to serve the next day. For the best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Easy Pearl Barley Beet Salad?
According to my calculations, each serving has 274 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
3 SmartPoints (Green plan)
3 SmartPoints (Blue plan)
1 SmartPoints (Purple plan)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)
How to Make Pearl Barley and Beet Salad Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: Place the cooked barley in a medium size bowl.
Stir in all the remaining ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Serve immediately, or store covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
This recipe calls for 1 cup cooked barley. For 1 cup of cooked barley you will want to cook 1/3 cup of dry pearled barley according to the package instructions.
If at all possible use quick cooking barley when using it for dishes like this one. It’s foolproof and takes just 10 minutes – about half of the time of traditional dry pearled barley.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Beets for this Salad?
It’s easy enough to roast your own beets. Simply place in foil and bake at 350F degrees until a sharp knife is easily inserted. Medium beets will take about 40 minutes.
When a knife can be removed easily, remove them from the oven, cool, peel and store for up to 5 days refrigerated in a covered container.
It’s easier of course to buy prepared ones and I admit I often just go that route. It makes this salad a snap.
Serving Suggestions
This is a hearty vegetarian lunch on its own with a large iced tea in the summer.
As a side dish, it will serve 4 easily (about 3/4-cup serving size) and makes a tasty addition to grilled or baked fish.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover salad can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Toss together with simple greens, additional chopped veggies and you’ll have a totally new look and taste.
If you’ve made this low fat, fiber-rich Barley Beet Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Barley and Beet Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1 medium beet, cooked, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the barley in a medium size mixing bowl.
- Stir in all the remaining ingredients, seasoning with the salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 3 SmartPoints (Green plan) 3 SmartPoints (Blue plan) 1 SmartPoints (Purple plan) 7 PointsPlus (Old plan) If at all possible use quick cooking barley when using it for dishes like this one. It’s foolproof and takes half of the time of traditional dry pearled barley. It’s easy enough to roast your own beets. Simply place in foil and bake at 350F degrees until a sharp knife is easily inserted. It’s easier of course to buy prepared ones and I admit I often just go that route. It makes this salad a snap.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
