Ham and Cheese Barley Salad

This flavor-packed barley salad is sure to keep you full until dinner. Fresh, crunchy and high in fiber, it works great as a complete lunch you can bring to work or at school.

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the barley salad

Serves 2

• 1 cup uncooked pearl barley, cooked according to package directions and cooled
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 4 to 6 slices of ham, diced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
• 1 scallion, chopped

The sauce:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon water
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Chopped chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. Transfer cooked and cooled barley in a salad bowl, use a fork to fluff up barley and separate pieces. Add bell pepper, carrot, ham, onion, cheese, and scallion.

2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce: mayonnaise, water, lime juice, chives, salt and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine and coat everything. Serve immediately if desired, or keep refrigerated overnight.

Note: for a lighter version, you can substitute greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce.

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com