Corn and Barley Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with wholesome goodness, this Corn and Barley Salad is the perfect fusion of hearty and refreshing ingredients. Combining the nutty chewiness of pearled barley with the natural sweetness of corn kernels, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, this vibrant salad is ideal for both casual lunches and summer gatherings. Enhanced with a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing and sprinkled with fragrant parsley, it delivers a satisfying medley of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you top it with creamy feta cheese or enjoy it as-is, this quick and easy recipe—ready in just 40 minutes—offers a healthy, vegetarian dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a light main course. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a versatile, crowd-pleasing option.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearled barley
• 3 cups water
• 1.5 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pearled barley under cold water, then combine it with 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Drain any excess water and let the barley cool to room temperature.

Step 2

If using fresh corn, bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the corn kernels for 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them cool. If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions and let cool. If using canned corn, drain and rinse well.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.

Step 4

In a small bowl or jar, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, sprinkle feta cheese on top just before serving.

Step 7

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1951.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1812.1

Total Fat 75.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 2786.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.5g	0%
Total Sugars 40.5g
Protein 52.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 915.9mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 2857.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.1%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 52.9%