Vegan Potluck Barley Salad

Name: Vegan Potluck Barley Salad
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups kale (stems removed and torn into bite-size pieces); 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups cooked pearl barley; 15 ounces canned white beans (such as cannellini, rinsed and drained); 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced); 1 cucumber (cubed); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Lindsay Moe

This Vegan Potluck Barley Salad is a great idea for taking to potlucks, picnics, and barbecues!

top view image of big bowl of barley salad with two forks on teh right and stripe towel on the left. Small white bowl of barley salad above bigger bowl.

Have you had your first party of the summer yet? It needs a barley salad!

I know, we still technically have one more month of spring, but let’s be real. Summer starts THIS WEEKEND with Memorial Day!

If you’re looking to live your best food life this weekend, don’t forget about this list of 35 recipes to rock your summer that I came up with last year. I’m proud to say I made them ALL.

close up image of small white bowl with barley salad on red picnic table with bigger bowl of barley salad in background.

Today we’re talking about being vegan at a potluck. Maybe you feel like a Debbie Downer showing up and saying no thank you to all the burgers, hot dogs, and creamy potato salads lining the tables.

Vegetarians are usually in the same boat, but at least you can throw a piece of cheese on a bun to survive until you get home.

I love how hearty this barley salad is, so you won’t be stuck eating just chips and salsa if choosing to abstain from meat at a party or potluck!

topview image of small wihte bowl with barley salad and bigger bowl of barley salad in corner of image.

How to make barley salad

It all starts off with pearl barley, which I love for it’s heartiness. I recommend cooking up a bunch at one time. From there it can be frozen, or used all week in soups, salads, and grain bowls.

You’ll do best to follow the instructions on your package of barley, otherwise to make 3 cups of cooked pearl barley you should bring 1 cup pearl barley and 3 cups water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed, 40-50 minutes.

close up image of big bowl of barley salad with spoon in bowl

So what else goes into this vegan party dish? We’re adding super healthy kale, tender white beans, more veggies, herbs, and a light oil dressing.

When it comes down to it we’re hitting plenty of food groups, textures, and flavors. That’s what makes this one of the best grain salads I’ve tried!

top view image of small bowl with barley salad with two forks nearby and portion of barley salad in big bowl in corner

This vegan potluck barley salad can be customized! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

You can omit either the barley, kale, or beans and still have a substantial salad (omitting the barley will make this a gluten-free vegan salad)
Omit the oil, vinegar, parsley, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, useing your favorite Italian dressing to taste instead
Substitute your favorite leafy green for the kale such as spinach or arugula
Add feta, gorgonzola, or shaved parmesan cheese (not vegan)
Meat eaters can add cooked, diced chicken or shrimp (also not vegan)