
What could be more fun than packing up the car and taking the family on a picnic. There is nothing quite like it. I love surprising my kids when they have half days, showing up at school with picnic basket packed. You never know what I will pack in that basket. It can range from Cuban Sandwiches to this delicious Barley Rice Salad with Tahini Dressing.
We love rice and is perfect for a Spring or Summer day. The tangy Tahini Dressing adds an amazing depth of flavors. Not only is this Barley Rice Salad perfect for a picnic, it is perfect for cookouts, celebrations and any time that you need to feed a crew.

This Barley Rice Salad is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. The tangy, yet light tahini dressing, will wow your guests at the next get together.

- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup pearl barley
- Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 teaspoons tahini
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 spring onions or green onions, sliced
- 2 cups red and yellow grape tomatoes, slices thin
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the rice and barley. Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer 25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes.
- Uncover and fluff with a fork.
- Let the rice and barley sit and cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk greek yogurt, lemon juice, hot water, tahini and honey.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Add rice to dressing and toss to combine.
- Add spring onions, tomatoes, almonds and parsley and toss to combine.
- Serve at room temperature or cold.








Nichole C
April 19, 2015 at 7:41 amYUM! I love today’s theme, and all of the tasty picnic foods, like your barley rice salad!
Tara
April 19, 2015 at 12:49 pmThis is a beautiful looking and healthy salad, I love it!!
Food Done Light (@FoodDoneLight)
April 19, 2015 at 2:17 pmI have loved barley since I was a little kid and don’t use it enough. This is inspiring me to do so. What a gorgeous salad.
Cindy Kerschner
April 19, 2015 at 2:31 pmI love a good whole grain salad, yum!
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen (@BobbisKozyKtchn)
April 19, 2015 at 3:14 pmSuch a gorgeous salad!!
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily
April 19, 2015 at 3:21 pmIt’s prime picnicking time here in the Valley of the Sun! This would definitely be making it into my picnic basket!
thatskinnychickcanbake
April 19, 2015 at 3:36 pmI haven’t used barley in a salad, though I love the stuff. Combined with rice, veggies and your marvelous dressing makes for a fabulous dish!
theninjabaker
April 19, 2015 at 3:56 pmYou are an amazing mother (and business woman!) Love that you show up with picnic baskets on your children’s half days at school. Your Tahini salad dressing is a keeper (thank you!) And hot or cold anything with Jasmine rice calls me to the table =)
hezzid
April 19, 2015 at 4:07 pmThis salad is so bright and fresh looking. Perfect for an outdoor picnic!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
April 19, 2015 at 6:03 pmI’ve been meaning to make tahini dressing for the longest time! Such a gorgeous salad, with the jasmine rice and all!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
April 19, 2015 at 9:12 pmI love this salad and all the amazing picnic recipes!
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba)
April 20, 2015 at 7:06 amHow hearty and fresh! Love this idea
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm
April 20, 2015 at 11:10 amThis is a great recipe. I can’t wait to try that tahini dressing.
cookingchat (@cookingchat)
April 21, 2015 at 5:14 amWhat a good, hearty and colorful salad!
lk529
April 21, 2015 at 1:38 pmI’m always looking for ways to use up my tahini! I’m allergic to barley but it still looks delicious.
FamilyFoodie
April 22, 2015 at 1:42 pmLove this tangy tahini dressing.