These are the best barley recipes you’ll find, from hearty soups to refreshing salads. If you’re looking for creative ways to cook with barley, these dishes are sure to inspire you to make something delicious.
If you’re new to cooking with barley or just want to expand your recipe repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. Barley is an ancient grain that’s been used for centuries in everything from hearty stews to refreshing salads.
It’s high in fibre, has a delightfully chewy texture, and adds a nutty flavour to dishes. In this roundup, I’ve gathered some of the best barley recipes that show just how versatile this grain can be.
But before we get to the recipes, don’t forget to check out my pearl barley guide, where I share tips on how to cook barley perfectly every time.
Barley Recipes You Have To Try
I’ve chosen these recipes because they highlight the many ways you can use barley, from soups and salads to risottos and even desserts. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something light and fresh, these recipes have got you covered. I hope you enjoy trying these dishes as much as I did putting them together. So go ahead, give barley a chance – you might just discover your new favourite dish!
Beef Barley Soup
This cosy and classic recipe is budget-friendly, using beef stew or ground beef to make a protein-packed dinner that you can toss in the freezer for easy weeknight prep down the line. Recipe from Sip And Feast. Calories (per serving): 512, Protein: 52 grams , Carbs: 30 grams, Fat: 17 grams
Instant Pot Beef & Barley Soup With Pesto
Looking for a comforting meal that’s full of flavour and easy to whip up? This beef barley soup I made for Instant Pot Eats is your answer. Hearty beef, tender barley, and a rich broth come together for a soup that’s as nourishing as it is tasty. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats. Calories: 687, Protein: 37g, Carbs: 54g, Fat: 35g
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables Barley
Packed with Mediterranean flavour, this vegetarian dish is colour boasting with loads of veggies and tangy feta cheese. Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish. Calories (per serving): 192, Protein: 5 grams, Carbs: 33 grams, Fat: 5 grams
Barley Risotto With Mushrooms & Asparagus
This risotto recipe simplifies the process of making this creamy dish from scratch with tender asparagus and a touch of umami from perfectly cooked mushrooms. Recipe from Family Style Food. Calories (per serving): 403, Protein: 12 grams, Carbs: 48 grams, Fat: 19 grams
Krupnik (Polish Barley Soup)
A comforting, cherished dish to try is this traditional Polish recipe featuring velvety chicken wings, pork ribs, potatoes, carrots, and barley grits in a rich meat and veggie broth. Recipe from Polonist. Calories (per 6-person serving): 427, Protein: 25 grams, Carbs: 28 grams, Fat: 21 grams
Mushroom Barley Soup
For vegetarians, this soup is as hearty as a beef and barley recipe. Try this Jewish deli classic at home for the perfect lunch. Recipe from The View From Great Island. Calories (per serving): 289, Protein: 10 grams, Carbs: 37 grams, Fat: 12 grams
Barley Soup With Sausage (Graupensuppe)
Smoky sausage and veggies make up this traditional German recipe. Perfect for a comfort food meal and pairing with your favourite German beer. Recipe from All That Jas. Calories (per serving): 285, Protein: 10 grams, Carbs: 29 grams, Fat: 15 grams
Kale, Barley, And Feta Salad With Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad combines the hearty chew of barley with the tang of feta and the freshness of kale, all dressed in a zesty honey-lemon vinaigrette. It’s healthy, it’s fresh, and it’s just the thing to brighten up your lunch routine. Recipe from Sweet Peas And Saffron. Calories (per serving): 400, Protein: 13g, Carbs: 43g, Fat: 4g
Instant Pot Tomato Barley Risotto With Marinated Feta
Tomato lovers, rejoice! This barley risotto is infused with the rich flavour of tomatoes and topped with tangy marinated feta. Creamy, savoury, and seriously moreish, this dish is perfect for a cosy night in. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats. Calories: 822, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 69g, Fat: 54g
Wild Mushroom Barley
Earthy mushrooms and nutty barley are a match made in heaven in this savoury dish. Whether as a main or a side, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Recipe from The Last Ingredient. Calories: 234, Protein: 7g, Carbs: 44g, Fat: 4g
Barley Salad With Summer Vegetables
Packed with fresh summer veggies and the chewy goodness of barley, this salad is the epitome of summer on a plate. Light, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying. Recipe from Lazy Cat Kitchen. Calories (per half a recipe without toppings): 550, Protein: 13g, Carbs: 93g, Fat: 16g
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers With Pearl Barley
Love stuffed peppers but not the work? This deconstructed version, made with pearl barley, gives you all the flavour without the fuss. A fun twist on a classic. Recipe from Skinny Spatula. Calories (per serving): 275, Protein: 23g, Carbs: 19g, Fat: 10g
Spring Salad With Barley And Lemon Chive Vinaigrette
This light and zesty spring salad, featuring barley and a lemon chive vinaigrette, is the fresh and easy side you need for your next gathering. Recipe from The Modern Proper. Calories (per serving): 392, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 51g, Fat: 19g
Chicken And Barley Stew
Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavour, this chicken barley stew is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly nights when you need something to warm you from the inside out. Recipe from Aberdeen’s Kitchen.
Barley Salad With Chickpeas
This simple yet delicious barley salad is loaded with veggies and tossed in a light vinaigrette, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any meal. Recipe from Eating Bird Food. Calories: 449, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 28g
Mushroom Veggie Burgers
Who needs meat when you’ve got these flavour-packed vegan mushroom barley burgers? Hearty, healthy, and delicious, these burgers are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. Recipe from My Quiet Kitchen. Calories (per serving): 130, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 19g, Fat: 6g
Smothered Chicken And Barley
Take your taste buds on a journey with this Moroccan-spiced chicken and barley dish. The warm spices and tender chicken pair perfectly with the nutty barley for a meal that’s as comforting as it is exotic. Recipe from Silk Road Recipes. Calories: 594, Protein: 32g, Carbs: 37g, Fat: 36g
Ottolenghi’s Barley Risotto With Marinated Feta
Creamy barley risotto topped with marinated feta? Yes, please! This dish is comforting, rich, and bursting with flavour – and it’s vegetarian to boot. Recipe from The Happy Foodie.
Pearl Barley Vegetable Risotto
This pearl barley vegetable risotto is a veggie-loaded dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for when you want something healthy and hearty. Recipe from Lucy & Lentils.
Coconut Barley Pudding
End your meal on a sweet note with this creamy coconut barley pudding. It’s a delicious twist on a classic dessert, with a subtle coconut flavour that’ll leave you wanting more. Recipe from A Pretty Life.
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