Warm Barley, Kale & Apple Salad

Kyra Williams for The Upside Blog

by | Updated: October 21st, 2025

Looking for a cozy way to pack in whole grains and greens? This warm barley salad is your new go-to barley recipe for nourishing comfort in a bowl. Nutty, tender barley mingles with massaged kale, sweet apples, tart cranberries and toasty pecans for a medley of textures that feels like fall and freshness all at once. The tangy-sweet dressing — featuring apple cider vinegar and a hint of maple — ties everything together in the most satisfying way. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main but also shines as a colorful side. Plus, this plant-based beauty delivers fiber, vitamins and good fats that’ll leave you feeling full and fueled. It’s a simple recipe with down-to-earth ingredients that proves wholesome eating can be every bit as comforting as it is delicious.

Pearl Barley, Kale & Apple Salad with Pecan Halves in Big Bowl on Slate Countertop Dotted with Cranberries and Pecan Halves

Pearl Barley, Kale & Apple Salad with Pecan Halves in Big Bowl on Slate Countertop Dotted with Cranberries and Pecan Halves
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Warm Barley, Kale & Apple Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 415 kcal
Author Kyra Williams

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In medium pot, bring broth to boil. Add barley, reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
  2. While barley cooks, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread pecans on baking sheet and roast 7-8 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
  3. Place chopped kale in large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tsp. olive oil and pinch of salt, then massage with hands for 1-2 minutes, until leaves darken and soften.
  4. In small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt and pepper.
  5. Add warm barley to bowl with kale. Toss to combine. Mix in diced apple, dried cranberries and roasted pecans. Drizzle on dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.

Recipe Notes

Get the ingredients you’ll need (and more!) from Vitacost.

Nutrition Facts
Warm Barley, Kale & Apple Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 415 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Sodium 730mg30%
Potassium 291mg8%
Carbohydrates 63g21%
Fiber 11g44%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 1468IU29%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 56mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Featured Products

Bob's Red Mill Pearl Barley
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Blend - Cranberry Apple
Honestly Cranberry Dried Cranberries - Unsweetened