Skip to main content

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Fresh and healthy make-ahead side dish or salad with beans, grains and fresh veggies.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Bowl of barley, bean and vegetable salad garnished with parsley.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups cooked barley (see Stovetop Barley for cooking directions)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (cooked from fresh or frozen, or canned, drained and rinsed) (see Notes)
1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
½ cup sliced celery
¼ cup sliced green onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and black pepper to taste
fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Mix barley with remaining ingredients, except garnish, in a large bowl.
  4. Cover and chill several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
  5. Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
  • Cook frozen corn according to package directions or to 165 degrees F.
  • Freeze extra lime or lemon juice to use later.
  • Cook your own dry beans. 1 cup dry black beans will make about 3 cups cooked black beans.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
  • Place any extra cooked barley in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze. Add cooked barley to soups, stews, casseroles and salads for a healthful fiber boost.

Comments

This is a great salad.  I usually have brown rice on hand so I have used that in place of the barley and it works great.  Adding avocado and radishes gives this salad more even more color and flavor.  I like to double the recipe so I have leftovers to pack for lunch for at least a couple days.
 

I love grain-based salads like this! We often double or triple the recipe and then take it for lunch throughout the week. My family likes to make big batches of food on Sunday night and package them into little leftover containers so they are easy to grab and go in the morning.

Yummy!!!  We used black beans which gave great color.  And orange juice for the juice.  We didnt have cilantro or parsley so left that out.  It was great right away to eat, and the flavors did get even better the next day.  Served it with the Food Hero Fish and Spinach Bake which was the perfect match!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder
Bowl of Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder

Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder

You’ll always enjoy this hearty chowder recipe. Change it up with the ingredients and spices you have on hand.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Overnight Oats for One
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oats for One

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for one person. Change it up with your favorite yogurt and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 serving
Savory Yogurt Dip
Small bowl of creamy dip with a plate of sliced vegetables and served in a veggie wrap.

Savory Yogurt Dip

A thick and creamy herbed yogurt dip that is great on wraps or for dipping veggies and pita.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Popeye Power Smoothie
Glasses of green fruit smoothies with straws.

Popeye Power Smoothie

This tasty green smoothie is sweet, creamy and refreshing. Kids love it!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Yogurt Parfait
Glass cups with layers of yogurt, banana and granola.

Yogurt Parfait

A quick and healthy meal with yogurt, banana and granola.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Peachy Keen Flavored Water
Glasses of fruit flavored water with sage.

Peachy Keen Flavored Water

Enjoy the taste of summer in this refreshing flavored water.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 servings