Barley Antipasto Salad

Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pearl or whole grain barley
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 pound Provolone cheese cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • 1/2 pound Italian salami cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • 1 can artichoke hearts drained and quartered, 16 ounces
  • 1 cup pepperoncini rings drained (or 2/3whole pepperoncini, sliced into rings)
  • 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 8 medium white button mushrooms sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata or ripe black olives
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 1/3 cup to 1/2prepared Italian salad dressing

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan with lid bring water to a boil. Add barley and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. (If using whole-grain barley, it may be necessary to increase cooking time to 50-55 minutes. It may also be necessary to drain off any unabsorbed liquid after cooking.) Cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled barley, Provolone cheese, salami, artichokes, pepperoncini, bell pepper, mushrooms, olives, Parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley.
  • Drizzle with salad dressing and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
  • Just before serving, toss again, adding more dressing if necessary.