Her Health > Recipes > Barley and Black Bean Salad

Barley is not only good for soups, it is great for salads too. Barley is a whole grain that is high in fiber and low in calories. This is a healthy recipe for dieting.

Yield: 6 servings

1 cup uncooked quick-cooking pearl barley

1 (15-ounce) can no salt added black beans, rinsed and drained

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered

� cup finely chopped green bell pepper

� cup (2 ounce) Monterey jack cheese (optional- with jalapeno peppers) cut into � inch cubes

� cup lime juice

1/3 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

Cook barley according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain barley in a colander, and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.

Combine black beans, next 6 ingredients and, if desired, cilantro and red pepper in a medium bowl. Add barley to black bean mixture; toss, gently.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 250, Fat: 4 grams, Saturated fat: 2 grams, Cholesterol: 8 mg, Sodium: 70 mg, Carbohydrate: 42 grams, Fiber: 12 grams, Protein: 13 grams