Garden Patch Salad

2 c Water

1/3 c Medium Pearled Barley*

-- (Quaker Scotch Brand) 3/4 ts Salt (optional)

15 oz Van Camp`s Red Kidney Beans

-- (Dark or Light) 3 md Tomatoes; seeded, chopped

1 1/2 c Chopped parsley or cilantro

1 md Bell pepper; cut into strips

-- (green, red or yellow) 1/2 c Sliced green onions

1/3 c Lemon juice

1/4 c Vegetable oil

1/8 ts Pepper

Bring water to a boil; stir in barley and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 50 to 60 minutes or until barley is tender, stirring occasionally. Drain; cool. Transfer to a large bowl. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, parsley, green pepper and green onions; mix well. Combine lemon juice, oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; mix until well blended. Pour over barley mixture; toss. Chill 3 to 4 hours or overnight; toss before serving. Serve over lettuce leaves, if desired. *NOTE: To substitute 1/2 cup Quaker Scotch Brand Quick Pearled Barley, decrease water to 1-1/2 cups and simmer time to 10 to 12 minutes. Proceed as recipe directs. NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS per serving: * calories 143 * carbohydrates 16 g * protein 4 g * fat 7 g * calcium 33 mg * sodium 110 mg * cholesterol 0 mg * dietary fiber 4 g Source: "Hurry, Let`s Eat!" Reprinted with permission from The Quaker Oats Company Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias