A nutritious and filling salad packed with prebiotic-rich ingredients like barley, garlic, and onion to support gut health and kidney function. Try this versatile barley and veggie salad for your next kidney-friendly meal or side dish!

This recipe is sponsored by Renadyl ™ and contains sponsored links. All opinions are my own.

Why prebiotic fibers matter for gut & kidney health

Prebiotic fibers are a special type of fiber that nourish the good bacteria in your gut, helping them flourish. These fibers are found in foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, whole grains, and leeks. By including more prebiotics in your diet, you can enjoy benefits such as:

1. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome: A balanced gut microbiome improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Reducing inflammation: Prebiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that can lower inflammation, supporting kidney and overall health.
3. Boosting kidney health: By reducing the production of harmful toxins, prebiotics can ease the strain on your kidneys, helping them work more efficiently.

Including prebiotic-rich foods like barley and vegetables in your meals is an easy way to support both your gut and kidney health.

How to further support your gut & kidneys

In addition to consuming prebiotic rich foods regularly, consider adding a kidney-specific probiotic like Renadyl™ to further support kidney function. Renadyl contains specific strains of bacteria that have been shown to reduce uremic toxins, creatinine, and uremia. It is a kidney-specific probiotic that is backed by over 25 years of research and is designed to promote a balanced gut microbiome, which can help maintain kidney health in people with CKD.

You can order Renadyl here and use the code RENA10 at checkout to get $10 off. Renadyl also offers subscribe and save options for their customers!

Reminder: Check with your doctor before adding Renadyl or any supplement to your routine.

How to make a Kidney-Friendly Barley & Veggie Salad

This flavorful salad brings together barley, a prebiotic-rich whole grain, with fresh vegetables for a delicious and kidney-friendly meal. Barley is naturally low in potassium, making it a great choice for those managing Chronic Kidney Disease.

Instructions

1. Cook the barley: Rinse and cook ~ 3/4 cup of barley according to package instructions. You will use 2 cups of cooked barley for the recipe. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop/dice the onion.
3. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas: lower the sodium content of canned chickpeas by draining and rinsing them in a strainer.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and salt and pepper.
5. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooled barley with the prepared vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Cool the salad: If your barley wasn’t already cold you will want to place the salad in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This will cool the salad and allow the dressing flavors to set in.
7. Serve and enjoy: Enjoy this refreshing and filling salad as a main or side dish to complement your kidney-friendly meals.

Kidney-friendly tip

Barley is a great whole grain for kidney health, while garlic and onion are prebiotic powerhouses that support gut health.

You can make this salad in bulk and enjoy leftovers for several days! It would also be great to bring to a barbecue or get-together to provide you with the perfect kidney friendly dish.

If you don’t have barley, feel free to use farro, brown rice, millet, quinoa, or another preferred whole grain instead!

Next time you’re planning your meals, give this salad a try! Pair it with Renadyl for additional support to your gut and kidney health!

Order Renadyl here and use the code RENA10 at checkout to get $10 off.