Barley Salad

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Pinch plus 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar plus

1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cups water
2 cups pearl or hulled barley
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried and crumbled
1/3 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
1/3 cup drained capers
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or red onion

1 cup fresh shredded veggies of choice (carrot, or beets, zucchini)

1 cup fresh garden tomatoes diced

1. To make the dressing, combine the lemon juice, mustard, pinch sea salt, vinegar, shallot and olive oil in a medium bowl and set aside.

2. To prepare the salad, bring the water to a boil in 5 qt saucepan. Add the barley with the remaining salt and bay leaves. Turn to low when the clicking occurs- Simmer until the barley is tender and all of the water is absorbed, 25minutes to 30 total cooking time. Remove from heat and cool.

3. Place the barley in a large bowl, and stir in the dressing and oregano. Cover and chill for about 2 hours or until ready to serve. Before serving, gently stir in the olives, capers, pine nuts, veggies, tomato and green onions.