Mediterranean Barley Salad with Corn and Cherries

As the seasons shift and fresh produce fills the markets, I find myself craving something light, colorful, and nourishing — like this Mediterranean Barley Salad. It’s one of my favorite recipes to make when sweet cherries and fresh corn are in season.

This isn’t your average grain salad. It’s a vibrant mix of chewy pearl barley, juicy cherries, crisp corn, and loads of fresh herbs. Every bite has the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and tang, and honestly? It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making something beautiful to share at your table, this salad is simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in the Mediterranean lifestyle I love. Whole grains, seasonal produce, and big flavor — that’s what it’s all about.

Ingredients in the Mediterranean Barley Salad

• Pearl Barley: A chewy grain with a nutty flavor, pearl barley adds a hearty base to the salad.
• Olive Oil: This oil has a fruity and slightly peppery taste, enriching the salad with a smooth and velvety texture.
• Fresh Cherries: Juicy and sweet cherries introduce a fruity freshness, complementing the savory elements.
• Corn: Offering a sweet crunch, corn kernels infuse the salad with a sunny, fresh-from-the-field essence.
• Cucumber: This vegetable provides a crisp texture and a clean, refreshing taste to balance the richness of other ingredients.
• Fresh Mint & Cilantro: Mint adds a cool touch, while cilantro introduces a citrusy and slightly peppery note, making the salad aromatic and lively.
• Toasted Pistachios: With their earthy and slightly sweet profile, these nuts add crunch and a layer of depth to the flavors.
• Pomegranate Molasses: A tangy and sweet syrup, it enhances the Mediterranean vibes of the dish with its rich and fruity depth. If not available, use balsamic vinegar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used in the dressing, it binds all the flavors with its fruity undertones and smooth finish.
• Honey: Introducing a mellow sweetness, honey balances the tanginess of the lemon and pomegranate molasses.
• Lemon: Its zesty flavor accentuates the ingredients’ freshness and lifts the salad’s overall taste.
• Shallots: These offer a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor, which adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
• Garlic: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, its intense and spicy flavor is mellowed when mixed into the dressing, lending a warm undertone to the dish.

The Heart of the Salad: Pearl Barley

Central to our Mediterranean Pearl Barley Salad is the pearl barley. A staple in the Mediterranean diet, this versatile whole grain is nutrient-dense and easy to prepare.

Here’s how:

• Rinse: Ensure no dust or residue remains.
• Toast: Enhance its nutty flavor by toasting in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
• Cook: Aim for a tender yet chewy texture. Start checking after 20 minutes of cooking.
• Drain, Rinse, and Cool: After cooking, drain the excess water, rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process, and spread out to cool down before adding to your salad.
• Bonus: You can store cooked pearl barley in the freezer. Thaw and use as needed, making it a handy addition to your diet.

Variations

Are you in love with our Mediterranean Pearl Barley Salad? Here are more to explore: these salads add variety to your meals and contribute to a healthy, balanced Mediterranean lifestyle.

1. Tabbouleh Salad: A mix of parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and bulgur seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Fattoush Salad: Fresh veggies, herbs, and toasted pita bread dressed in a tangy mixture.
3. Spinach and Lentil Salad: Packed with nutrients and garnished with fresh veggies.
4. Summer Grilled Corn Salad: Sweet grilled corn, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
5. Watermelon Salad: A refreshing blend of sweet, salty, and minty flavors.

For a wholesome experience, pair these salads with dishes like Kofta Kebabs or Mediterranean Grilled Chicken.