HEIRLOOM BARLEY SALAD

who doesn't love the classic mozzarella, tomato, and basil summer salad? well this spin on the salad gives you the added benefits of protein and grains! the light, nutty flavor of the tiny pearly barley blends great with bright vinegar flavors and the colorful heirloom tomatoes are just as appealing to the stomach as they are to the eyes! bring a bowl of this to your next picnic, and it'll be the star of the show, as will you!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1 1/2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
3 tbs red wine vinegar
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 tbs diced red onion
1 1/2 cups mini heirloom tomatoes
1 cup baby bocconcini mozzarella (approximately 10 pieces)
1/3 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
-boil water in a medium sized pot, add barley, and reduce heat to low
-cover pot and cook barley on low for approximately 35 minutes, until all the water is absorbed into the barley
-transfer the barley into a large mixing bowl, add 1 tbs each of red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar, mix to coat
-add olive oil, and a few shakes of salt and pepper, mix, and place in refrigerator until cool
-quarter tomatoes and bocconcini and add to cooled barley
-mix in onions, chickpeas, and basil
-add the remaining 2 tbs of red wine vinegar and 1 tbs of balsamic vinegar right before serving
-enjoy!

serves approximately 8 people as a side dish

SHOUT OUTS:
this dish was inspired by the colorful, tiny heirloom tomatoes at Trader Joe's.

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-can't find baby heirloom tomatoes? use any small tomato you can find or have on hand: grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or even chop up one large tomato (just be sure to remove the seeds from a larger tomato)
-you can also use larger pieces of bocconcini if you cannot find baby sized, just cut the cheese into similar sized pieces as the tomatoes
-if you do not have fresh basil, you may use dried- but only use about a teaspoon
-instead of chickpeas, use cannellini beans!
-try the salad with other whole grains like farro or quinoa