Barley Veggie Power Bowl (Printable)

Nutty barley, roasted veggies, vibrant toppings, and tangy tahini dressing make this bowl wholesome and satisfying.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
02 - 2 1/2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

04 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
06 - 1 small zucchini, sliced
07 - 1 cup broccoli florets
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Fresh Ingredients

12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 2 cups baby spinach
14 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Tahini Dressing

15 - 1/4 cup tahini
16 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
17 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
18 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
19 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed
20 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings (optional)

21 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
22 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine pearl barley, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and fluff barley with a fork.
03 - On the lined baking sheet, toss diced sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are golden and tender.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
05 - Divide cooked barley among four bowls. Arrange roasted vegetables, halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and avocado slices over barley. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing.
06 - Top each bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses pantry staples for both the grain and the dressing
  • Packs in a rainbow of veggies for maximum nutrients
  • Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal
  • Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan
02 -
  • High in dietary fiber supports gut health
  • Colorful veggies provide antioxidants and vitamins
  • Dressing made with tahini adds healthy fats and plant protein
03 -
  • Rinse barley thoroughly to remove excess starch this prevents sticky texture
  • Roast vegetables in a single layer crowding leads to steaming not browning
  • Always taste the tahini dressing before serving you may want a bit more lemon or syrup

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