Go Back

Pesto Barley Salad with Roasted Rapini & Buttercup Squash

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 batch pumpkin seed pesto see below
  • 1/2 buttercup squash cut into wedges
  • 1 large bunch of rapini washed and trimmed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes divided
  • 1 200 g, 7 oz container of mini bocconcini, drained
  • Pepitas for sprinkling

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

  • 3/4 cup pepitas
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 20 g, 0.7 oz pack fresh basil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 -1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup Grana Padano or Parmesan shredded
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

Instructions
 

For the Pesto

  • Place the pepitas, garlic, basil, salt and crushed red pepper flakes in a large food processor and pulse until the pepitas are finely chopped. Add the cheese and set the food processor to low. With the food processor running, stream in the lemon juice and olive oil. Continue to blitz until a smooth, cohesive paste forms.
  • Transfer the pesto to a bowl, cover and transfer to the fridge until ready to use

For the Salad

  • Place the barley and water in a small saucepan with a healthy pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Let cook for 35 minutes or until most of the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender. You may have to drain away some excess water. Transfer the barley to a bowl and set aside.
  • While the barley is cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Place the rapini in a large bowl and set aside. Mince the garlic and add 1 clove of it to the bowl with the rapini. Next, add half of the olive oil, half of the crushed red pepper flakes and half of the salt. Toss to coat and transfer the rapini to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Add the buttercup squash to the now empty bowl. Add the remaining olive oil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic. Toss to coat. Arrange the wedges on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Place the squash in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the squash and flip the wedges. Return the squash to the oven and add the rapini. Roast for an additional 15 minutes. Remove the veggies from the oven and set aside.
  • While the veggies are roasting, take 3/4 cup of the pumpkin seed pesto and add it to the pearl barley. Stir the pesto into the barley until it is evenly coated. Add half of the bocconcini and toss to disperse.
  • Transfer the dressed barley to a large serving platter and top with roasted squash wedges, roasted rapini, the remaining bocconcini and a sprinkling of pepitas. Serve immediately.