Skip to main content

Barley Summer Salad

Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
A clear bowl displays a colorful salad of cooked barley, blueberries and crunchy vegetables.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed (see Notes)
3 cups water
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup chopped sweet snap peas
2 cups chopped apple (1 to 2 medium apples) or another fresh fruit or veggie, chopped 
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onion
1 Tablespoon vinegar
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup lemon juice or lime juice

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Place barley and water in a 2 or 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and cook until barley is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  4. Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
  5. Add remaining ingredients. Toss well.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute different fruits and vegetables in season.
  • Add nuts or seeds for added protein.
  • Pearl barley is high in fiber but it is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), add 20 to 30 minutes to the cooking time.
  • If you have barley that is already cooked, measure about 3 ½ cups into a large bowl and begin at step 4.
 

Comments

We made this for three classes of 4th graders and the results were mixed. One common comment I kept hearing is that it was too tart and the barley had no flavor. The students and some staff suggested adding either salt to the barley while cooking, or sugar once it's done as part of the dressing. I think orange juice would be a better replacement for the lemon juice to make it less tart and sweeten it up a bit. Seasoning is a definite! Adding salt to the barley while cooking is highly needed, as is a little pepper in the end. The kids all loved the fruit in it and the look of it, but the agreed that it needs more seasoning.

This was a big hit!  To make it festive for the 4th of July I used an extra cup of blueberries and took out the snappeas.  I also used jicama instead of apple.  That way the dish turns out red, white, and blue!  I would even diced up a whole red pepper and use the whole thing, instead of just 1/2 cup.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad
Bread topped with Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Garbanzo beans and crunchy vegetables make a delicious sandwich filling or chunky dip.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad
Bowl of vegetables with bulgur and dressing.

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tasty make-ahead salad with hearty whole grains, fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Prepare:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
Creamy pasta and broccoli in a skillet.

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

A delicious one-pan pasta dish with the perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce, veggies and chicken.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Enjoy a pasta salad in under 30 minutes, made from the ingredients you have on hand! Change the flavors and match your food preferences with different proteins, veggies and dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Cherry Puff Pancake
Photo of Cherry Puff Pancake

Cherry Puff Pancake

A unique pancake recipe baked in the oven. Low sugar with tart cherries, warm cinnamon and sliced almonds for a crunch!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 pieces
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.