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 (16 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 cup pepperoncini rings, drained (or 2/3 cup whole 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 to 1/2 cup prepared Italian salad dressing

1. In 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.
2. In large bowl, combine cooked and cooled barley, Provolone cheese, salami, artichokes, pepperoncini, bell pepper, mushrooms, olives, Parmesan cheese, basil and parsley.
3. Drizzle with salad dressing and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Just before serving, toss again, adding more dressing if necessary.
Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: calories 269, protein 13g, carbohydrates 21g, fiber 5g, fat 16g, cholesterol 32mg, sodium 724mg.

Recipe and photo provided with permission by the National Barley Foods Council. For more barley information and recipes visit www.barleyfoods.org.

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