This fresh-tasting lemon, basil and barley salad is perfect as a summer side dish or even as a light main meal. If you love grain salads then why not serve it alongside your next barbecue?
Don't just use barley for stews! It's great in salads too!
Pearl barley is often thought of as a winter grain, a grain for bulking out soups and stews like this beef stew. It's not considered to be one of the most exciting ingredients but that really is a shame as it can be fantastic in salads too. Yes, one of my favourite new ways to eat pearl barley is in this tasty lemon, basil and pearl barley salad.
Barley salads are so satisfying - You won't be hungry afterwards!
The great thing about making grain salads is that they are filling and substantial as well as healthy. This barley salad is delicious on it's own as a light and healthy main meal and it's also a brilliant vegan side dish.
If you read my blog regularly then you'll know how much I like recipes that can be prepared in advance and that can make enough for more than one meal.
This salad is perfect for preparing in bulk. Although I didn't make a huge batch it did keep well in the fridge for a couple of days and was perfect for lunch. It could also be taken to work as a packed lunch. If you do want to serve more people then just increase the quantities.
For more recipes that can be prepared in batches then do check out my Cook Once Eat Twice recipe collection.
The inspiration for this barley salad
I first made this salad back in 2015 when I was a part of the Secret Recipe Club , which unfortunately no longer exists. The recipe is adapted from a basil, pine nut and barley salad on the blog, Goodie Godmother. I added sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts and served it cold rather than warm. I also dry fried the sunflower seeds rather than frying them in butter to make it a little healthier too.
To tell you the truth, I hadn't planned to make this salad initially. I'd seen it but didn't think it sounded as tasty as it turned out to be. The lemon and basil go really well with the slightly chewy pearl barley and crunchy sunflower seeds, giving it a great texture as well as taste.
How could you adapt this pearl barley salad?
As I mentioned above, this salad is adapted from another recipe and it is easy to switch ingredients in and out. Why not use different nuts or seeds instead of the sunflower seeds? I think cashew nuts or peanuts would be lovely.
How about adding lime and coriander (cilantro) instead of lemon and basil?
Of course you could completely alter it by using rice or another grain instead of the pearl barley.
After all, recipes are there to be adapted.
Recipe
Lemon, Basil and Barley Salad
Ingredients
- 100 g pearl barley
- 50 g sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp basil chopped
- 1 lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and then boil the pearl barley. It will take about 30 minutes. Drain, rinse and leave to cool.
- Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry frying pan over a low-medium heat. Keep shaking the pan so they don't burn on one side. When they are golden, take them off the heat and leave to cool on a plate.
- Mix all the ingredients together. Add extra lemon juice, olive oil or black pepper according to taste. Serve immediately or keep in the fridge and serve later.
Notes
Nutrition
More Healthy Grain salad recipes
If you love using grains in salads then why not take a look at one my other grain salads? They're all vegetarian too!
If it's really barley you like then do try my curried pearl barley salad! And don't forget to check out my main meal salads recipe collection!
Keep in touch
Do let me know if you make this recipe or any of my other recipes. I love to get feedback from readers.
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Kathy
What a delicious and refreshing recipe!
I didn’t have sunflower seeds so I substituted sliced almonds and I also tossed in 2/3 cup of petite green peas. It worked for me. Yummy!
Corina Blum
That sounds like a really tasty variation. I'm so pleased you liked it and thanks for letting me know you tried it!
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder
Pearl barley is such a lovely and versatile grain and definitely not just for heavy stews and soups. I love the sound of this salad which would also make perfect side dish to some grilled meat or fish. Lovely fresh and zesty flavour with a bit of substance to keep you full, what not to like! 🙂 x
Corina Blum
Thanks Jo! I love substantial salads as I often eat them without anything on the side for lunch and I hate getting hungry a couple of hours later. x
Jacqui Bellefontaine
I really must play around using grains more. Pearl barley was something my mother alwyas use to add to lamb stews and I wasn't overly keen but I imagine this recipe would be delicious as a side with grilled fish. I shall be giving it a try.
Corina Blum
It is a good way of making a stew go further. I think it is one of those grains that doesn't get used as often as it should - I love experimenting with different grains as it makes a change from the more typical side dishes.
Jared @ Matcha Me
Never heard of pearl barley, but will definitely be giving this a try!
Corina Blum
I hope you like it! It's simple but still really delicious.
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
So simple, but I bet it tastes AMAZING!! Thanks for linking up to #CookBlogShare. Eb 🙂
Corina Blum
You're welcome Eb! And thanks for being a such a great host!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
I just love pearl barley, although I have not ventured far outside my comfort zone of using it in soups. Barley "risotto" was positively exotic for me! So I think it's high time that I get adventurous with barley, and this salad is just perfect!
Corina Blum
I know, I use it mainly in soups but it's got a lovely chewy texture in salads too! I'd forgotten about barley risotto - I think it was one of those recipes that kept popping up everywhere a few years ago. I might have to revisit that as well!
Kat (The Baking Explorer)
I don't eat barley as often as I should, this is a great idea for making it into a summery dish and I love the fresh flavours you've used.
Corina Blum
Thanks Kat! I probably don't eat it often enough either, even though I like it!
Lisa
I adore pearl barley and using it for a simple salad like this is a fine idea. Perfect for hot days when you want to keep cooking to a minimum but not sacrifice taste. Thanks for sharing with NCR.
Corina
I'm glad you like it.
nessjibberjabberuk
I've had pearl barley in soups before but never thought of it outside of soup! Looks nice to take as a lunch instead of sandwiches.
Corina
IT would be a great packed lunch. I used to do salads similar to this all the time when I was working.
petra08
I love pearl barley! I have never made a salad but this sounds absolutely delicious! 🙂
Corina
So glad you like the sound of it.
goodiegodmother
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think the sunflower seeds were a delicious substitution. 🙂
Corina
It was great - thank you for the recipe!
Joanne
Love all the fresh flavors in this! Sounds so good.
Corina
Thank you.
Dragons And Fairy Dust
I never thought of adding barley into a salad. It looks great
Corina
It's funny how we just think of adding it to soups and stews. I'd never thought of using it like this before either.
Saundra @ Famished Fish
What a refreshingly light and tasty dish you chose! Thank you for sharing with the SRC!
Corina
I think the lovely summer weather we had when I was making my decision helped me choose this. I'm also trying to be a bit healthier when I can.
culinarycam
Barley is one of my family's favorite grains. Can't wait to try this!
Corina
I wish I had a family who loved grains rather than just tolerated them!
Honest Mum
I've not had barley for years and in soup, will try this, looks lovely. thanks for linking up to #tastytuedays
Corina
So glad you like it.
laura_howtocook
Well I love pearl barley and I like your comment "you'll have to" learn to like it if you don't. I agree!
Corina
SO glad you agree! Some people do need a little persuading though.
Angela / Only CRumbs Remain
This really sounds yummy. I've only ever tried pearl barley in soups but I'm certainly going to give this a go - the addition of the lemon sounds divine.
Angela x
Corina
IT's definitely worth trying pearl barley in a salad. It soaks up the lemon and is really tasty.
Sarah 'n Spice
I love pearl barley! Great recipe and I love that it stays in the fridge well 🙂
Corina
It's always good if you can make a salad like this then eat it up over the next couple of days. I'm glad you like it.
colleen @ secrets from the cookie princess
I love pearl barley. And I've had a heck of a time finding it lately. These is a great way to prepare it.
Corina
I'm glad you like it.
Allison
I've never tried pearl barley, but it sounds yummy! I'm going have to pick some up.
Corina
I hope you like it. It's a bit chewy so if you like texture in a grain then I'm sure you'll like it.
frugalfeeding
Fantastic - isn't pearl barley a great ingredient. It's texture is sublime and it holds flavours really well.