Charcuterie & Olive Salad

Versatile, fulfilling & beautiful.

Makes 10 servings/30minutes.

I am so excited to present to you my Charcuterie & Olive salad. This recipe is on our weekly meal routine because it is simple, economical, and fulfilling. It is the perfect side for any grilled protein, it is the ideal dish to bring to parties or to make a day ahead when you are hosting. Barley brings a wealth of nutritional benefits. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, barley promotes heart health, aids digestion, and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day, making this the perfect going back to school lunch. If you are looking for a tasty and simple meal, the Charcuterie & Olive salad is a must.

• Change it up

  Our typical recipe is the one below, but the possibilities are truly infinite. You can use many grains or replace it by a short noodle. You can add several selections of olives, add pepperoncini, sprouts, cucumber, and/or bell peppers. You can replace the salami with chicken or ham cut in small pieces. Use your family preferences to create your own perfect Charcuterie Salad.

• Involve your children

  This is a great recipe to include your children in the kitchen. Once the barley is cooked and has cooled off, encourage them to stir in all of the ingredients by themselves. They will also love to fill the containers that they will bring to school. While you are at it, empower them to do the dishes with you. This is how many of us became more comfortable in the kitchen.

• Bring it to the BBQ

  Pesto, barley & olives. I always have them in my pantry. If we are invited to a last minute get together (or a planned one) I will often prepare this dish. It is budget friendly and loved by the children and the adults. It goes well as a side with marinated chicken, hamburgers, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 box (2cups) of quick pearled barley, follow instructions on the box

• 1 small jar of green olives (rinsed-you might want to start with half and add more to your liking. We LOVE olives)

• 1 small jar of sliced green olives (rinsed-you might want to start with half and add more to your liking. We LOVE olives)

• 1 cup of Kalamata olives (rinsed-you might want to keep these olives whole; they will be easier to discard if your children do not enjoy them)

• 1 cup (1/4 lbs.) of salami, chopped in bite size

• 1 cup (1/4 lbs.) of pepperoni, chopped in bite size

• 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp or more to taste of basil pesto (I love the Rana pesto)

• 1/4 cup of sliced sundried tomatoes

• 1 cup of finely chopped spinach

Steps

1. Cook the Barley according to the package instructions, then let it cool off.

2. Rince all of the olives in a colander, to remove excess salt & oil.

3. Chop all of your ingredients while keeping some whole olives as well.

4. Choose a big bowl & add everything together once the barley has cooled off completely.

You can keep this Charcuterie & Olive Salad in your refrigerator 3 to 5 days. I do not freeze this recipe; however, I do freezer the container of pesto & I always have a box of barley & jars of olives in my pantry.