2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup quick-cooking pearl barley
1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 large red bell pepper, diced ( OR green pepper)
¾ cup diced zucchini
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup diced scallions (OR fresh onions)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Salt and ground black pepper to taste*
In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add barley, cover and reduce heat; simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile in a large bowl, combine kidney beans, pepper, zucchini, almonds and scallions.
Rinse cooked barley with cold water. Combine cooled drained barley with bean mixture. Add oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Chill until serving.
*Salt and pepper not included in analysis
Serves 8 (3/4 cup) Per serving: 160 calories, 6 g fat, 6 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber,
40 mg sodium