Barley and Corn Salad with Basil Chive Dressing

A refreshing salad combining quick-cooking barley and fresh corn, tossed with Belgian endives and a vibrant homemade basil-chive dressing. Perfect as a light summer meal or side dish.

4 servings
25 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup quick-cooking barley
  • 2 cups corn
  • cup olive oil
  • cup fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives
  • tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 whole Belgian endives
  • trimmed and sliced crosswise

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring 2 cups water with 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan. Stir in barley, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender, about 10 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    While barley simmers, blanch corn in a 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-quart saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain in a large sieve and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry, then transfer to a large bowl.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Remove barley from heat (when tender) and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    While barley stands, pulse oil, basil, chives, vinegar, sugar, pepper, remaining tablespoon water, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until herbs are finely chopped.

    3 min

  5. 5.

    Drain barley well in large sieve and add to corn in bowl, then add endives and dressing, tossing to combine.

    2 min