Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta

Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta. By Heather Gardner. 

This year we’re teaming up with the Grain Farmers of Ontario to bring you the best pre and post-run recipes to fuel your marathon training! Each week we’ll feature a new and unique recipe from one of our CRS Community Leader Ambassadors. Our final recipe is a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad from Heather Gardner. Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Share a photo on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a “Good in Every Grain” Prize Pack valued at $50!

Barley isn’t as well know as oats or wheat, but it’s a great addition to many grain-based dishes. Did you know? Barley appears in plenty of baked goods, and barley flakes can be eaten cooked like rolled oats! And of course, barley malt, made by soaking and drying barley kernels is a key ingredient in the production of beer! Here’s a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad originally posted on thekitchn.com that uses pearl barley as it’s main ingredient.

Makes 2 servings as a main dish, 4 servings as a side dish

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini11222555_10156155506175475_7606881267581100037_o

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for salting water

1/3 cup pearl barley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups (or 1 15-ounce can) chickpeas, drained

2 tablespoons feta cheese

Freshly ground pepper

Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut in half crosswise. Using a mandolin or a knife, cut the zucchini into thin matchstick strips. Place strips in a colander in the sink in drain excess moisture. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and massage lightly with your hands to evenly disperse the salt. Let sit as long as it takes to prepare the rest of the salad.

Next, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the barley. Cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

12087705_10156155506280475_8425192442077811610_oWhile the barely is boiling, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, barley and about half of the dressing. Once cooled, stir and transfer to a serving bowl. Crumble the feta over the top and serve.

It’s the FINAL week to WIN! Share your favourite pre or post run snack or meal on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a $50 “Good In Every Grain” prize pack!