Barley Soup Recipes

Barley is one of those simple whole grains that quietly does a lot for your health. It’s packed with fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps keep your digestion moving, supports gut health, lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and keeps blood sugar steadier. On top of that, it’s full of important vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that help protect your heart and support overall wellness. This week, we’re sharing 5 different barley soup recipes to keep you warm.

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Creamy Mushroom and Barley Soup

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Enjoy a generous serving of this soup with a side salad and a small dessert as your 25% option.

75% water-fiber foods – mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, fresh dill, barley, lentils, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, cucumber, green onion, avocado, fresh parsley
25% foods – milk, oil, pistachios, dessert

Tuscan Bean and Barley Stew

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Ladle a generous serving of this soup over a slice of crusty Italian whole grain bread. Or serve the bread on the side.

75% water-fiber foods – barley, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, fresh rosemary, cannellini beans, kale
25% foods – oil, whole grain bread

Persian Chicken and Barley Soup

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve a large bowl of this soup with a Strawberry Spinach Salad on the side.

75% water-fiber foods – barley, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, fresh parsley, spinach, strawberries
25% foods – oil, chicken, Greek yogurt, walnuts, dressing, feta

Chunky, Hearty Vegetable Soup with Barley

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Enjoy a generous serving of this soup with a side of Italian White Bean Salad. Choose your own 25% item.

75% water-fiber foods – barley, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, frozen peas, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, fresh herbs
25% foods – oil, dressing, your choice

Pearl Barley Soup with Leeks and Potatoes

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve this soup with a slice of whole-grain bread topped with Chunky Chickpea Spread.

75% water-fiber foods – onion, garlic, leeks, potatoes, barley, fresh parsley, celery, garbanzo beans, pickle relish
25% foods – oil, whole grain bread, mayo

👉 Water-fiber foods are 75% zone foods – whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, beans, and cooked whole grains.