Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 cups barley
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 7-ounce package feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup chopped green onions
  • bag of baby spinach
  • 14oz bag frozen cooked small shrimp

Method

  • Rinse barley, and place in a small bowl. Cover with water by about two inches, and let soak for about an hour. Drain.
  • Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, and honey in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.)
  • Bring broth and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a large heavy saucepan. Stir in barley, reduce heat, cover, and boil until tender but still firm to bite, about 20 minutes. Drain.
  • Transfer to large wide bowl.
  • Mix tomatoes, feta, basil, green onions,shrimp and spinach into barley. Could also be served on top of spinach but I like it mixed in because it wilts a bit.
  • Add vinaigrette -toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)