Recipe: Greek Barley Salad

Vegetarian Greek Barley Salad recipe is healthy and delicious! Great for summer entertaining as a side or main dish.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups barley, cooked to package directions
1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
pinch of sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cut in half
4 ounces sheep or goat feta cheese, crumbled, plus more for serving
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
4-6 sliced pepperoncini

Directions

Cook the barley to package directions, transfer to a large serving bowl and set aside.

For the dressing: In a bowl whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, dill and sugar. Whisk in the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the barley with the salad dressing. Fold in the cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, cheese, mint and pepperoncini. Season with more salt and pepper to taste if desired.

Garnish with more crumbled feta cheese and dill. Serve cold or at room temperature.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette

We love this healthy and delicious Spinach Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Shallot Vinaigrette recipe, a gluten free, vegetarian dish great for the holidays!

Ingredients

2 cups Maple Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes (see notes)
for the salad
8 cups baby spinach
1 firm pear, thinly sliced
1 cup toasted walnuts
3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
salt and pepper to taste
freshly chopped parsley
sea salt and pepper to taste
for the dressing
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
pinch of fine sea salt
drizzle of honey
freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

Directions

Roast the sweet potatoes (see notes)

Assemble the spinach, pear and roasted sweet potatoes in a large bowl or serving platter.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or whisk the ingredients to combine. Adjust ingredients to taste.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, top with the walnuts and goat cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve.

~ Marla Meridith