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.
 
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.

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)

Almond Rice Pudding
Creamy rice pudding topped with chopped almonds.

Almond Rice Pudding

A creamy rice pudding that is dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free. Enjoy for a simple snack or dessert.
Prepare:
5 Min
Cook:
30 to 45 Min
Makes:
6 cups
Maple Glazed Turnips
Baking dish filled with sweet potatoes and turnips sprinkled with cinnamon.

Maple Glazed Turnips

A warm and flavorful dish that combines maple and cinnamon with hearty root vegetables.
Prepare:
15 Min
Cook:
45 Min
Makes:
4 Cups
Master Mix
Glass jar labeled Master Mix with a flour-based baking mix.

Master Mix

Make your own baking mix to have on hand for quick biscuits, pancakes and other recipes.
Prepare:
10 Min
Makes:
10 cups
Kamut Breakfast Bowl with Tofu and Garbanzo Bean Scramble
Bowls of kamut with a tofu and vegetable topping.

Kamut Breakfast Bowl with Tofu and Garbanzo Bean Scramble

This savory and satisfying breakfast bowl features kamut, an ancient form of wheat with a firm texture and nutty flavor.
Prepare:
10 Min
Cook:
45 Min
Makes:
8 servings
Easy Skillet Chili
Small bowl of chili with beans, ground meat and vegetables.

Easy Skillet Chili

Creamy beans, plenty of spices and chopped tomatoes make a great chili in under an hour!
Prepare:
5 Min
Cook:
45 Min
Makes:
7 cups
Potato Salad
Bowl of potatoes, celery and olives with a creamy dressing.

Potato Salad

A creamy classic potato salad with tangy mustard and crunchy celery. Perfect potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Prepare:
20 Min
Makes:
8 cups