Mediterranean Herby Barley Salad with Butter-Basted Mushrooms
Nutty barley tossed with a vibrant mix of parsley, mint, and lemon, paired with butter-basted mushrooms that are golden, caramelized, and aromatic. A light olive oil–lemon dressing ties it together—protein-rich, fiber-packed, and utterly satisfying.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Salad Base
1 cup pearled barley, cooked and cooled
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup cucumber, diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Butter-Basted Mushrooms
1 cup button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
1½ tbsp unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of salt & black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Barley
Cook pearled barley according to package instructions until tender.
Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add garlic and mushrooms, season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and tender. Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Salad
In a large bowl, combine barley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently.
4️⃣ Assemble
Top barley salad with butter-basted mushrooms.
Optional: drizzle a little extra olive oil or sprinkle sesame seeds for texture.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef Tips
Use fresh herbs generously—they elevate the dish.
Sear mushrooms over medium-high heat for a golden finish.
Add a sprinkle of feta or pine nuts for extra richness (optional).
🔄 Variations
Vegan: Swap butter with olive oil
Extra protein: Add chickpeas or white beans
Meal prep: Salad keeps 2–3 days refrigerated; reheat mushrooms separately
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Is it spicy?
No — purely Mediterranean flavors.
Can this be served as a main?
Yes—the barley + mushrooms + herbs make it filling enough for lunch or dinner.
Can I use other grains?
Yes—quinoa or farro works beautifully too.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: ~12–14 g
Carbs: ~50 g
Fats: ~12 g
Fiber: ~8 g