barley and sun-dried tomato salad

i had no idea you could do anything with barley other than put it in soup.  i was sadly misinformed!  what a tasty little grain, and pretty easy to cook too.  like other whole grains, it's full of fibre and helps you feel full.  i served this salad with balsamic grilled salmon (below) and grilled peppers.

Barley and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad - serves 4
prep time: 5 mins   cook time: 20-25 mins
adapted from: Chatelaine, June 2010, pg. 227

1 cup pearl barley
2 tbsp white wine vinegar - i used apple cider vinegar - a bit tart, but not too bad.
1 tsp dijon mustard - didn't have any, used a squirt of regular mustard, but it probably would have tasted better with the dijon.
1/8 tsp salt - omitted
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped - i use dried rather than the ones soaked in oil.  they are half the price, easier to store, and a good deal healthier.  you just soak them in boiling water for 2 minutes before using.  apparently you can even make your own in your oven - waiting for a good batch of tomatoes to come to town before i test that one!
pepper to taste
i also added about a tablespoon of honey, just for kicks.


Rinse the barley under cold water and add to a medium saucepan with 3 cups of cold water.  Gently boil, uncovered until tender - 20-25 minutes.  Drain and rinse with cold water.
Whisk white wine vinegar with dijon and salt in a medium bowl.  Whisk in olive oil.  Stir in barley and sun-dried tomatoes.  Season with pepper.

this was a pretty good salad, though i think next time i'd add something crunchy (maybe pine nuts?) and play with the dressing a little bit.  i really enjoyed the barley cooked this way though, and am on the hunt for more similar recipes!  what's your favourite barley recipe?