Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn Recipe

A vibrant and refreshing barley salad, perfect for a summer lunch or side dish. This recipe combines tender barley with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty basil-garlic dressing. Easy to make ahead, it's ideal for picnics or potlucks!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 392.2 kcal
Protein 25g
Rating 4.1 (7 Reviews)
Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

  • Pearl Barley
  • Basil Leaves
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Corn Kernels
  • Salt And Pepper

How to Make Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 cup of barley and bring back to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
  3. Drain the barley and rinse under cold running water until cooled. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Puree until smooth.
  5. Season the basil mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked barley with the basil dressing.
  7. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels and 1 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes to the barley mixture.
  8. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Can be made 2 days ahead.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

9g

Fat

20g

Carbs

17g