Broccoli, Red Pepper and Barley Salad with a Basil Pesto Dressing

This is a really healthy meal and u can serve it as a side dish with a nice piece of grilled chicken or fish. It Low Gi which makes it a perfect meal for an office luch if there is any left over. If you don't like barley you can use brown rice. For those meat lovers you can add some extra shredded smoked chicken, and for a fresh idea you can a selection of roasted vegetables.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

250ml pearled barley or brown rice

20ml olive oil

350g broccoli broken into florets- lightly blanched

1 large red pepper - cut into strips

45ml Balsamic vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper

125 ml feta cheese - diced

Dressing:

60ml basil pesto

45ml white balsamic vinegar

5ml sugar

salt and black pepper

Method:

Cook barley according to the instructions - drain and set a side

Heat olive oil in a pan and stir fry the broccoli and red pepper until tender

Add the balsamic vinegar and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper

Toss in the barley, vegetables and feta.

Mix the dressing ingredients together and drizzle over the salad.