Black Barley, Fennel, and Radish Salad

A hearty and refreshing salad combining chewy black barley with crisp-tender roasted fennel, fresh radishes, and aromatic herbs, all tied together with a bright citrus vinaigrette. Perfect as a nutritious main dish or elegant side.

6 servings
1 hr 23 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups black or pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 large fennel bulb
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 small shallot
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 4 large radishes
  • ¼ cup oil-cured olives
  • pitted
  • halved lengthwise

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Place barley in a medium pot and add water to cover by 1 1/2". Season with salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until barley is tender and water is absorbed, 40-45 minutes. Spread out barley on a large rimmed baking sheet; let cool.

    45 min

  2. 2.

    While barley is cooking, toss fennel slices and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Spread fennel slices out in a single layer on another rimmed baking sheet. Roast until fennel is crisp-tender and beginning to brown in spots, about 18 minutes. Let fennel cool on baking sheet. DO AHEAD: Barley and fennel can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.

    18 min

  3. 3.

    Whisk orange juice, lime juice, shallot, 2 tablespoons dill, and zest in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in remaining 1/2 cup oil; season orange vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer barley to a large bowl; add roasted fennel, along with any accumulated juices on baking sheet. Add half of radishes, olives, and 1/4 cup dill sprigs. Drizzle 1/2 cup orange vinaigrette over and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Arrange salad on a large platter.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Scatter remaining radishes, reserved fennel fronds, and remaining 1/4 cup dill sprigs over salad. Pass remaining orange vinaigrette alongside for drizzling over.

    5 min

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