Name: Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained; 3 tablespoons pesto; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic, grated or minced; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 2 (15oz) cans white beans such as cannellini beans or Great Northern, drained and rinsed; 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil; ½ of a small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional); 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil (optional)

If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome dish that bursts with flavor and texture, the Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe is your new go-to for a satisfyingly healthy meal or side. This salad beautifully marries tender pearl barley with hearty white beans and chickpeas, all hugged by a luscious pesto dressing with bright notes from lemon juice and vinegar. Every bite is like a refreshing stroll through the Tuscan countryside, full of fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and the silky finish of olive oil that makes it utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of many small bowls and a pot on a white marbled surface. The largest container on the left is a white pot with cooked barley grains filling it. Below and to the right of the pot, there is a brown bowl with yellow chickpeas. Next to the chickpeas is a small wooden bowl with half a lemon. Above the lemon is a white bowl filled with dried red tomatoes. To the right and above the dried tomatoes, a white bowl holds many white beans. Above the beans, there are tiny bowls; one has green herb sauce, one contains light brown minced garlic, another has salt, a wooden bowl has black pepper, a small white bowl has pale liquid, and a small bowl has yellow oil. To the far right, some green herbs and leafy sprigs lie on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, this Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe celebrates each component’s unique contribution. From the nutty barley to the creamy beans, and from the punchy garlic dressing to the colorful sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, every element adds depth and brilliance to the final dish.

Pearl barley: The chewy, nutty backbone of this salad that adds satisfying texture and substance.
Pesto: A flavorful herbaceous sauce that binds the salad with its bold basil, pine nut, and garlic goodness.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich pesto, lifting the salad’s overall flavor.
Vinegar (red wine, white wine, or champagne): Brings subtle acidity and balance, cutting through the richness.
Extra virgin olive oil: The silky, fruity liquid fat that gently ties all the components together.
Garlic: Freshly grated for a punch of pungency and aromatic depth.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Key seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
White beans (cannellini or Great Northern): Tender and creamy, providing protein and a smooth bite.
Chickpeas: Another hearty legume adding texture and earthiness.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: Intensely flavorful and slightly chewy, offering a sweet-savory contrast.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, crisp bite that wakes up the palate.
Fresh parsley and basil (optional): Vibrant herbs for a fresh finish and gorgeous color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pearl Barley to Perfection

Start by rinsing and draining the pearl barley, then cook it gently in water until it’s tender but maintains a bit of chew—this keeps the salad lively and textured. Once cooked, let it cool slightly by fluffing with a fork or spreading out on a sheet pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Pesto Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, your choice of vinegar, olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a bright, herbaceous dressing that’s the heart and soul of this Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Beans, Chickpeas, and Veggies

Add the drained white beans and chickpeas along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Toss everything gently in the pesto dressing so each element is luxuriously coated, creating a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your salad to a serving bowl or platter, and if you like, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley and basil for that pop of fresh color and aroma. The salad is ready to enjoy or let rest for a bit so the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe

A clear round bowl shows five separate piles of ingredients on a white marbled surface: light beige beans in the top left, thin curved slices of purple onion at the top right, dark red chopped sun-dried tomatoes near the right edge, light brown chickpeas at the bottom right, and light gray barley grains at the bottom left. Each ingredient has a slightly different texture, with smooth beans, thin onion strips, wrinkled sun-dried tomatoes, round chickpeas, and grainy barley. The five piles are spread without mixing, filling most of the bowl's space. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil right before serving for a vibrant, herbaceous finish. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or some toasted pine nuts brings even more richness and nuance.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal, or alongside warm, crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s also fantastic served with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in clear glass bowls to show off its colorful layers, or elegantly pile it high on rustic plates for a more casual vibe. You can even spoon it into lettuce cups or use as a hearty filling in wraps—versatile enough for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep those vibrant flavors fresh and the barley tender but not mushy.

Freezing

Because of the fresh herbs and texture of cooked barley and beans, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the salad’s fresh and chewy qualities.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad slightly warm, gently reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Otherwise, this salad shines best served cold or at room temperature to showcase its bright, fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of pearl barley?

Absolutely! Farro, quinoa, or bulgur are great alternatives that offer different textures while keeping the hearty, grain-filled essence of the salad.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes. Just ensure your pesto is vegan (many store-bought versions contain Parmesan), or make a simple vegan pesto using basil, nuts, olive oil, garlic, and nutritional yeast.

How long does the salad keep its best flavor?

For peak freshness, enjoy within 2-3 days. The herbs and dressing flavors meld over time, but the salad tastes brightest the first day.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would add extra crunch and color without overwhelming the delicate pesto flavor.

What kind of beans work best for this recipe?

White beans like cannellini or Great Northern are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor that compliments the pesto, but any white beans you love can work just fine.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves simple ingredients coming together in a spectacular way. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this salad brings bright, hearty, and fresh flavors that make eating well feel effortless and joyful. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every bite!

Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Tuscan Bean Salad with Pesto and Barley Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pearl Barley to Perfection

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Pesto Dressing