Summer Barley, Beet & Corn Salad: A Nourishing, VitaClay-Friendly Recipe for Summer

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrition—this Summer Barley, Beet & Corn Salad is perfect for warm weather.

Introduction

Looking for a fresh, fiber-rich summer salad that’s both anti-inflammatory and easy to prepare? This Summer Barley, Beet & Corn Salad is the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing, designed specifically for your VitaClay 3.2-quart or larger VitaClay cooker. Featuring chewy Job’s Tears (or hulled barley), naturally sweet beets, and juicy corn, this dish nourishes your gut, supports weight management, and delights your taste buds—all with minimal fuss.

Spotlight on Job’s Tears: Beauty Food for Radiant Skin

Known as “yi yi ren” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Job’s Tears is prized for its ability to drain dampness, reduce puffiness, and support clear, glowing skin. Often used in TCM to treat skin conditions and inflammation, it’s also a beloved beauty staple among Japanese women, who incorporate it into both their diet and skincare for its brightening, detoxifying, and nourishing effects. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, it’s considered a beauty-enhancing grain that supports a more luminous complexion from within.

Whether you want to serve it warm on a cool evening or chilled for a picnic, this recipe is versatile, wholesome, and packed with vibrant summer flavors.

Ingredients

For cooking in VitaClay (~3–4 servings):

• 1 cup Job’s Tears or hulled barley, rinsed

• 4 cups water

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1 cup beets, peeled and diced into small cubes

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Add-ins (after cooking):

• 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)

• 1/2–3/4 cup black beans (optional for protein boost)

• 1–2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or mint, 1 tsp ground cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start Cooking Grains

Add the rinsed Job’s Tears or barley, water, sea salt, and herbs (if using) into your VitaClay inner pot. Select the “Soup” or “Stew” setting and cook for about 1 hour.

2. Add Beets

Add the diced beets into the pot after 1 hour. Continue cooking for another 20 to 30 minutes until the grains are tender and beets are cooked yet retain a pleasant bite.

3. Fluff and Cool

Gently fluff the cooked mixture with a fork and let it cool slightly. Drain any excess water if necessary (should be minimal).

4. Assemble the Salad

Stir in corn kernels and black beans (if using). Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar). Season with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and optional herbs or cumin. Mix gently.

5. Serve Warm or Chill

Enjoy immediately while warm or chill in the fridge for an hour for a refreshing summer salad.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

•Anti-inflammatory: Beets, lemon juice, and olive oil reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.

•Weight management: Low glycemic whole grains like Job’s Tears keep you full longer, helping manage appetite.

•Gut health: Fiber from barley, Job’s Tears, and black beans nurtures your gut microbiome and supports digestion.

•Vitamin-rich: Beets and corn provide essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Elevate your salad with these delicious mix-ins:

• Crumbled feta cheese for creaminess and tang

• Sliced avocado for extra healthy fats

• Fresh arugula or baby spinach for added greens

• Crunchy chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture and omega-3s

Why Use VitaClay?

Cooking grains and vegetables in your VitaClay cooker ensures gentle, even heat that preserves nutrients and intensifies natural flavors. Its slow-cooking “Soup” or “Stew” modes make meal prep effortless, allowing you to create wholesome dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Barley, Beet & Corn Salad is a delicious, nutrient-dense recipe that’s easy to make and packed with health benefits. Perfect for anyone wanting to eat clean, stay energized, and enjoy seasonal produce — all with the convenience of their VitaClay cooker.

Try it for your next meal prep or summer gathering and enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this wholesome dish!

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