Today we’re preparing a hearty Butternut, Barley and Steak Salad, a wholesome bowl layered with nutty pearl barley, roasted cumin-spiced butternut, fresh rocket, and perfectly seared steak. Finished with a zesty garlic, ginger and pomegranate dressing, plus crunchy walnuts and pumpkin seeds, this dish brings together warmth, freshness and bold flavour in every bite.
Simple prep. Balanced ingredients. A complete meal in one bowl.
A fresh, wholesome bowl for everyday family meals
In a home kitchen focused on balance and nourishment, dinner begins with a familiar challenge: what to cook that satisfies everyone at the table. This butternut and pearl barley salad, topped with slices of steak, answers that question with ease. It is a dish designed for everyday life, adaptable enough for a relaxed summer meal, yet substantial enough to serve when entertaining.
Rethinking the Grain
Pearl barley forms the foundation of the salad, offering an alternative to the usual rice routine. With its slightly nutty flavour and satisfying texture, barley brings depth to the bowl while providing fibre and lasting fullness. It absorbs surrounding flavours beautifully, making it an ideal base for roasted vegetables and fresh greens.
Ingredients
Pearl barley, Butternut (or pumpkin)
Olive oil, Ground cumin
Steak (rump or sirloin)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh rocket, Lemon juice
Fresh coriander, Garlic (grated)
Fresh ginger (grated)
Apple cider vinegar
Pomegranate dressing or pomegranate molasses
Pomegranate seeds
Walnuts
Pumpkin seeds
Sweetness from the Oven
Roasted butternut or pumpkin, depending on preference, adds warmth and natural sweetness. Tossed in olive oil and cumin, then roasted until tender and caramelized, the vegetable introduces softness that contrasts with the chew of the barley. The result is layered rather than heavy, comforting without feeling dense.
Greens, Citrus, and Balance
Fresh rocket is roughly chopped and folded through the warm grain, gently wilting to release its peppery edge. A squeeze of lemon juice and a touch of seasoning brighten the dish, lifting the roasted notes. The balance of sweet, sharp, and savoury begins to take shape long before the protein is added.
Prepared Steak
A well-seasoned piece of steak, pan-seared and left to rest before slicing, crowns the salad. The meat introduces richness and iron, complementing the earthiness of the barley and vegetables. Alternatives such as grilled chicken work just as well, but thin slices of rested steak add both texture and visual contrast.
A Dressing That Ties It Together
The final element is a light dressing made with grated garlic, fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of pomegranate sweetness, finished with just a small amount of olive oil. Scattered with coriander, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and jewel-like pomegranate arils, the salad is layered with crunch and colour.
The finished bowl is generous yet balanced a meal that feels vibrant, satisfying, and uncomplicated.
