Welcoming Early Spring with a Nourishing Butternut Squash & Barley Salad

Butternut Squash and Barley Side Dish

Happy Early Spring! Did anyone else love the 77° weather we had on Sunday? That warm sunshine was a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner. In honor of the beautiful day, I made a delicious and nourishing side dish designed to support the spleen and stomach—a vital aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Nourishing our spleen and stomach is not only beneficial for gut health and increasing energy, but it also plays a significant role in fertility, helping to improve our ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy. This dish is a harmonious blend of natural sweetness, spice, saltiness, and even a touch of sourness—making it deeply satisfying and full of health benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash

• 3-4 cloves of garlic

• 1 cup barley

• 2 1/2 cups bone broth

• 1 cucumber

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 bunch cilantro

• 1/2 red onion (rinsed)

• Feta cheese (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Hot honey (a light drizzle)

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• Balsamic vinaigrette

• Avocado oil (for roasting)

Instructions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash & Garlic

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.

   • Drizzle butternut squash and garlic cloves with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.

   • Roast for 20-30 minutes or until fork-tender.

   • Remove from the oven and let cool.

2. Cook the Barley

   • Bring the barley and bone broth to a boil.

   • Lower to a simmer and cook until tender (cooking time varies from 10-20 minutes depending on the barley type).

   • Strain and let cool.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

   • Chop the cucumber, red bell pepper, cilantro, and red onion.

   • Add them to a large bowl along with the cooled barley and butternut squash.

4. Assemble the Salad

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • If using, crumble a small amount of feta over the top.

   • Drizzle lightly with hot honey and extra virgin olive oil.

   • Add balsamic vinaigrette (about 2 tablespoons, or to taste).

   • Mix well and let sit for a few hours or overnight for optimal flavor.

5. Serve & Enjoy

   • Serve alongside your favorite protein and enjoy a nourishing, flavorful meal!

TCM Benefits of Ingredients

This dish is packed with ingredients that provide warmth, nourishment, and balance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• Butternut Squash: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, aids digestion, and supports energy production.

• Garlic: Warms the body, strengthens immunity, and promotes circulation.

• Barley: Clears heat, drains dampness, and supports digestion and fluid metabolism.

• Bone Broth: Nourishes kidney and spleen energy, supports digestion, and promotes overall vitality.

• Cucumber: Clears heat, detoxifies, and hydrates the body.

• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, and strengthens the immune system.

• Cilantro: Dispels toxins, promotes digestion, and supports detoxification.

• Red Onion: Warms the body, improves circulation, and supports digestion.

• Feta Cheese: Provides a small amount of nourishing yin energy and adds depth to the dish.

• Hot Honey: Warms the stomach, promotes circulation, and adds a natural sweetness.

• Olive Oil: Moistens dryness and supports digestion.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Adds a balance of sourness to aid liver function and digestion.

• Salt: Supports kidney function, helps retain fluids, and balances electrolytes.

• Pepper: Warms the digestive system and kidney yang, promotes circulation, and helps dispel cold from the body.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash & Barley Salad is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nourishment for your digestive system, energy levels, and overall wellness. Whether you're looking to enhance fertility, improve gut health, or simply enjoy a delicious seasonal dish, this recipe is the perfect way to welcome spring!

Let me know if you try it—I'd love to hear how it turns out for you!

*Disclaimer- The information provided by Nourishing Life Acupuncture, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment or health regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or through our content. Nourishing Life Acupuncture does not provide any guarantees or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or usefulness of the information presented. Reliance on any information provided by Nourishing Life Acupuncture is solely at your own risk.

The content provided by Nourishing Life Acupuncture is not intended to establish a patient-provider relationship, and it does not create any such relationship.

Your use of this website and the information provided is subject to this disclaimer, and by using our content, you agree to these terms. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health practices.