Name: Barley Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4 people
Cuisine: Slovenian
Ingredients: 300 g (10.5 ounces) uncooked pearled barley; 1 tsp Salt; 400 g (1 pound) chicken breast; 1 tsp grated lemon zest; 1 tbsp Chopped rosemary; 1 garlic clove; 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1 Cucumber; 150 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes; ½ onion; 1 bell pepper; 100 g (3.5 oz) canned corn; 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil; 1 ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; Pinch of salt and pepper; ½ tsp oregano; 1 garlic clove

Barley Chicken Salad

Some dishes come and go with the seasons — and then there’s barley chicken salad, a timeless favorite you’ll crave all year round. Hearty yet wonderfully light, it’s the kind of salad that feels right no matter the month. In summer, we savor it on the terrace with a glass of something chilled. In autumn, it becomes a nourishing lunch packed for busy workdays. During winter, it adds a bright, refreshing contrast to richer comfort foods. And in spring, it tastes like a fresh start on a plate. The best part? It comes together with very little effort, yet delivers big on flavor and texture — tender chicken, wholesome barley, crisp vegetables, and a vibrant lemon dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s one of those recipes you make once… and then find yourself happily reaching for again and again straight from the fridge.

Perfect salad for all seasons

These are the top reasons to make this excellent salad:

Minimal effort - Most of the time is spent cooking the pearl barley, and you can prepare everything else while it cooks.

Perfect for meal prep - The salad stays fresh and tasty for several days, making it ideal to prepare in advance.

Filling and balanced - It contains protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables – a perfect standalone meal.

Great all year round – In winter you can add roasted vegetables; in summer, fresh herbs and lemon juice.

How to effortlessly make this barley salad

This recipe is prepared without complicated steps or special techniques.

First, soak the pearl barley for a few hours, then cook it in a larger amount of water (you can also do this the day before).
Cook the chicken in a pan or in the oven, simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
In a bowl with the pearl barley and chicken, add the vegetables – tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
Drizzle with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
Gently mix and let the flavors combine.

Make it your own

If you want something extra, you can upgrade the basic recipe by adding, if desired:

Feta cheese – for a salty, creamy note.
Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato – for an autumn version.
Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, basil) – for a light summer aroma.
Walnuts or almonds – for extra crunch.
Avocado – for a creamier texture.

Storing

Storage in the refrigerator: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Tip: If you’re preparing the salad for several days, divide it into individual containers – this way your lunch is ready in just a few seconds.

How to make Barley Chicken Salad at home (video)

Check this short video to master making this salad at home.

Next, try these delicious salad recipes

Made in collaboration with Podravka d.o.o.

Ingredients