Barley salad with tuna and olives

Barley, tuna and olives: a gentle gut-friendly salad.

High Fiber Protein Rich
85%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

A simple barley salad with tuna and olives offers fiber-rich grains, lean protein, and flavorful olives that support gentle digestion. Barley provides a mix of fiber to help sustain digestion and feed beneficial gut bacteria, while tuna adds protein. Olives contribute polyphenols and healthy fats that pair well with a balanced plate. This dish suits a varied, everyday eating pattern and can be enjoyed for lunch or a light dinner as part of a gut-friendly, fiber-diverse routine.

July 29, 2026
Barley salad with tuna and olives
Prep 15 min Cook 40 min Easy

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Why this recipe fits you

  • High fiber from barley supports digestion.
  • Polyphenol-rich olives and olive oil add gut-friendly antioxidants.
  • Balanced with lean protein from tuna and healthy fats for satiety.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
70
🍇 Polyphenol density
75
🧬 Diversity support
80
🛡️ Inflammation support
82
🫧 Fermentation support
10
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
78

Ingredients

Barley
1 cup
Barley
Tuna
1 can
Tuna
Olive
0.5 cup
Olive
Lemon juice
2 teaspoon
Lemon juice
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Shallot
1 piece
Shallot
Parsley
2 tablespoon
Parsley
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Cook the barley according to package instructions until tender, then drain and let cool.

2

Flake the tuna into a large mixing bowl.

3

Add the cooled barley, chopped olives, finely diced shallot, and chopped parsley to the bowl.

4

Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.

5

Toss gently to combine and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

320 kcal Calories
15 g Protein
45 g Carbohydrates
7 g Fiber
3 g Sugar
25 g Fat
4 g Saturated fat
1.5 g Salt

FAQ

Is this barley salad gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten. If you need gluten-free, substitute with quinoa, buckwheat, or rice.
Can I use canned tuna in water or in oil? How does it affect the dish?
Both work; oil adds richness, water is leaner. Drain well before adding.
How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1–2 days; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Not vegetarian due to tuna; for a vegetarian/vegan version, replace tuna with chickpeas or white beans and omit the tuna.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance; store separately and mix before serving for best texture.
What do olives contribute nutritionally?
Olives provide healthy fats and polyphenols; keep sodium in mind.
How should I adjust if serving more people?
Multiply the ingredients by the desired number of servings; keep the same ratios.
How can I reduce the salt?
Use low-sodium tuna or rinse olives lightly; adjust salt to taste.
Can I freeze the dish?
Freezing may change texture; best to refrigerate and not freeze. If you freeze, expect texture changes.

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