Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious salad recipe that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than our Thai Barley Salad, which comes in at just 390 calories per 1 serving (9.8 oz)!

But don't let the low calorie count fool you - this salad is packed with essential nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.

In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of barley, the fresh Thai flavors that make this salad unique, and some tips for customizing it to your taste. Let's get started!

Low-Calorie Salad

With just 390 calories per serving, our Thai Barley Salad is a great option for anyone looking to cut back on their calorie intake. But it's not just low in calories - the ingredients in this salad are nutrient-dense and filling, making it a satisfying meal or side dish. Some other low-calorie ingredients in this salad include fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and citrusy dressing. These ingredients add flavor and nutrition without adding too many extra calories. If you're watching your weight or just looking for a lighter meal option, our Thai Barley Salad is definitely worth trying.

Healthy Salad Recipe

Barley is a great choice for a healthy salad base, as it's high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like selenium and magnesium. These nutrients help regulate digestion, build strong bones, and support overall wellbeing. In addition to barley, our Thai Barley Salad features a variety of colorful vegetables and herbs that add even more nutritional value. Red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers all provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and inflammation. And with a dressing made from fresh lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this salad contains healthy fats and flavor that will make your taste buds happy too!

Vegan Gluten-Free Salad

If you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, finding nutritious and tasty salad options can be a challenge. But our Thai Barley Salad fits the bill, with no animal products or gluten-containing ingredients. Barley is naturally gluten-free, as long as it hasn't been cross-contaminated during processing. And with a dressing made from simple, whole-food ingredients like lime juice and sesame oil, you won't find any hidden animal products here either. Whether you're vegan or not, our Thai Barley Salad is a flavorful and satisfying option for anyone looking to add more plant-based nutrition to their meals.

Essential Nutrients in Barley Salad

Barley is a nutritious grain that provides a range of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium. Fiber is important for digestion and overall health, and barley contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. This means it can help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and keep the digestive system running smoothly. Protein is necessary for building and repairing tissues, and barley provides about 3.5 grams per serving. And minerals like iron and magnesium are important for producing energy, supporting the immune system, and keeping bones strong.

Fresh Thai Flavors

What makes our Thai Barley Salad really stand out is the combination of fresh, zesty flavors that come from the herbs and spices in the recipe. Cilantro, mint, and basil add a burst of green freshness that pairs perfectly with the crunch of red cabbage and carrots. And a dressing made from lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil brings everything together with a tangy, savory kick. Not a fan of any of these flavors? No problem - keep reading for ideas on how to customize this salad to your liking!

Barley Salad as a Meal

While this salad can certainly be served as a side dish, it's also filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own as a main meal. To make it even more satisfying, consider adding some protein-rich toppings like grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or edamame beans. You could also swap out the barley for a different grain like quinoa or brown rice, or add in some avocado for healthy fats and creaminess. With a little creativity and experimentation, this Thai Barley Salad can be turned into a hearty and delicious meal that you'll want to make again and again.

How to Make Thai Barley Salad

Ready to give this delicious salad a try? Here's a step-by-step guide to making our Thai Barley Salad: 1. Cook 1 cup of barley according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain any excess water and let cool. 2. While the barley is cooking, chop 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup of fresh mint, and 1/2 cup of fresh basil. Shred 1 cup of red cabbage and slice 1/2 cup of carrot into matchsticks.

Ingredients of Thai Barley Salad

Here's a list of all the ingredients you'll need to make our Thai Barley Salad: - 1 cup barley - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Types of Barley for Salad

There are a few different types of barley that can be used in salads, each with its own texture and flavor profile. Pearl barley is the most common type, and it's what we used in our Thai Barley Salad recipe. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, and cooks relatively quickly. Hulled barley is a less processed form of barley that retains more of its bran and germ. It takes longer to cook but has a richer, nuttier flavor and a slightly firmer texture.

Ways to Customize the Barley Salad

One of the great things about salads is that they're easy to customize to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for making our Thai Barley Salad your own: - Swap out the cilantro, mint, and basil for other fresh herbs, like parsley or dill - Add some sliced green onions or chopped red onion for extra flavor and crunch