Barley And Black Bean Salad

Total Time: 21 mins Preparation Time: 11 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick-cooking pearl barley, uncooked
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pint grape tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

Recipe

• 1 cook barley according to package directions, omitting salt. drain baarley in a colander, and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
• 2 combine black beans, next 6 ingredients, and, if desired, cilantro and red pepper in a medium bowl. add barley to black bean mixture; toss gently.