Photo credit: © Eatwell101.comWarm pumpkin and pearl barley—tossed with toasted pecans, pomegranate and a soja-orange sauce—is a classic. Barley makes this fall salad hearty and substantial enough to serve as a main dish, perfect for your dinners at home or to bring at work for a quick lunch. If you like to cook outside the box, orange zest and Pomegranate seeds bring a very special touch: Bursting with sweet-tart juice, these small jewels are among fall’s greatest treats, adding bright flavor and a festive splash of color to this sweet-savory salad.

Ingredients list for Pumpkin & Pearl Barley Salad

• 3/4 lb (350g) of barley pearled
• 1 pomegranate
• 1/2 butternut squash (350g of flesh)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 sprig of dill
• 1/3 cup (40g) pecans
• 1 untreated orange
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon cream of white balsamic vinegarPhoto credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. Cook barley in boiling salted water. Then drain and keep aside.

2. Meanwhile, peel the halved butternut squash, remove the seeds and cut the flesh into small cubes.

3. Heat a pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add squash cubes and cook for 15 minutes over high heat, stirring regularly. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and continue stirring.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Don’t add salt because the soy sauce is already salty.

5. In a large bowl, pour the cooked pearl barley, add the orange zest and juice.

6. Add 2 tbsp oil and the cream of balsamic vinegar. Add the diced squash and half the chopped sprig of dill. Open the pomegranate and collect the seeds by hitting the top with a tablespoon over the bowl.

7. Fry the pecans for 3-4 minutes, chop them coarsely and add to the salad.

8. Mix all ingredients, add salt and pepper and serve warm. Enjoy!

( Photo by nanou)