A refreshing and hearty Mediterranean-inspired barley salad, perfect for any occasion.
Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
Adding a pinch of salt to the water can enhance the barley's flavor.
Add the barley to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 40 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking to the pot.
Drain the cooked barley and rinse under cold water until cool.
Rinsing the barley helps to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
Uniformly sized pieces ensure even distribution in the salad.
In a large bowl, combine the barley, chopped vegetables, and dill.
Mix gently to avoid mashing the vegetables.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Ensure all ingredients are well coated for maximum flavor.
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the salad just before serving.
Adding the nuts at the end keeps them crunchy.
