Elevate your summer dining with this refreshing Peach Cucumber Barley Salad, a vibrant medley of sweet, juicy peaches, crisp cucumber, and tender pearled barley. This wholesome dish combines seasonal produce with a zesty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, perfectly balanced with fresh mint and parsley for a burst of herbal freshness. Quick to prepare, this salad is ready in just 45 minutes and serves as a healthy and satisfying option for picnics, lunch bowls, or light dinners. Serve it chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its symphony of flavors. Packed with fiber, nutrients, and tantalizing textures, this barley salad recipe is a must-try for fans of summer salads and simple, nutritious meals.
Place the pearled barley and 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
While the barley cooks, dice the peaches and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the red onion, mint leaves, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Once the barley has cooked, drain any excess water and allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, diced peaches, cucumber, red onion, mint, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Calories |
1310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.9 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1242 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 210.8 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.6 g | 138% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.7 g | ||
| Protein | 25.4 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 217 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 1901 mg | 40% | |
*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.