Barley Salad with Peas and Asparagus

Fresh peas, sugar snaps, and asparagus imbue this simple grain salad with the essence of spring. Pearled barley takes about 30 to 45 minutes to cook; you can also substitute a quicker-cooking grain, such as quinoa or rice.

• 1-3/4 cups pearled barley
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh English peas, blanched (or frozen peas, thawed)
• 1 cup halved sugar snap peas, steamed until crisp-tender
• 1 cup cut asparagus (1-inch pieces), steamed until crisp-tender
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint

Rinse the barley under cold water and drain. Bring 7 cups of water to a boil in a 4-quart pot over high heat. Add 3/4 tsp. salt. Add the barley, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding more boiling water as necessary to keep the barley covered, until tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Drain and rinse the barley with cold water to stop the cooking.
 

Transfer the barley to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, and toss lightly to coat. Spread the barley on the baking sheet and cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
 

Put the lemon juice in a small bowl and gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Whisk in the lemon zest. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice or olive oil as needed.
 

Put the cooked and cooled barley in a large serving bowl and toss to break up any clumps. Add the peas, sugar snap peas, asparagus, dill, mint, and 1/2 cup vinaigrette and toss. Taste and season as needed with more vinaigrette, salt, pepper, and serve.