Barley Salad
Easy Serves: 4 to 6 servings
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 1/2 to 4 cups cooked and cooled barley
1 small head fennel, julienned
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, approximately 4 slices
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the olive oil and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Combine the barley, fennel, pine nuts, Parmesan, bacon and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and stir to combine. Season, to taste, with the salt and pepper. Serve immediately or allow to sit in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
Notes...this benefits from an hour in the refer. I bring down to room temp prior to serving. I'm not fond of pine nuts and have used pistachio and almond slivers, toasted. I've also added a touch of balsamic prior to serving. The black fig was especially interesting.