Deliciously Zesty Butter Bean Salad Recipe: A Burst of Freshness
Discover the delightful world of butter bean salad with feta, a dish that beautifully combines refreshing ingredients and vibrant flavors. In this comprehensive blog post, we explore why you’ll love this simple yet flavorful recipe, delve into its ingredients, and provide step-by-step guidance on preparation. We will also share a recipe video, nutritional information, and essential tips to enhance your salad-making experience. With an array of additional salad recipes showcasing healthy bean options, this post is your go-to guide for creating nutritious and tasty salads at home.
Butter Bean Salad with Feta
Butter bean salad with feta is a versatile and refreshing dish that stands out with its creamy texture and tangy taste. The tender butter beans provide a rich and hearty base, while the feta cheese contributes a savory depth that permeates every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light main course, this salad promises to satisfy your cravings for something wholesome and delicious.
What makes this salad truly special is its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each mouthful delivers a mix of creamy, crunchy, and zesty sensations that make it irresistible. The inclusion of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a zesty sumac dressing elevates the taste, making it a delightful dish to enjoy any time of the year. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This butter bean salad recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The recipe’s simplicity doesn’t compromise its flavor, as it showcases a beautiful harmony of fresh ingredients that come together in perfect balance. With minimal preparation time and no cooking required, it’s a quick and convenient option for busy days.
Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is its flexibility. It’s easy to customize the salad to suit your personal tastes or dietary requirements. Simply swap out ingredients for what you have on hand or tailor the salad to complement your favorite dishes. Moreover, the salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Ingredients (and substitutes)
Salad
The heart of this salad lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. For the salad base, you’ll need butter beans, which are sometimes also called lima beans. They provide a creamy texture and are packed with nutrients. You can substitute with cannellini or chickpeas if preferred. Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, grape tomatoes or diced larger tomatoes will work as well.
Red onion adds a mild, tangy crunch, but if you find its flavor too strong, you can substitute it with green onions or shallots. Cucumbers contribute a cooling, crisp element, complementing the richness of the beans and feta. To highlight the flavors even more, a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro will add an aromatic note.
Sumac Dressing
The dressing is what gives the salad its zest and vibrance. Sumac is the star ingredient here, offering a lemony tartness that enhances the whole dish. If sumac isn’t available, you can achieve a similar effect with lemon zest or additional lemon juice. Olive oil serves as the base of the dressing, providing a smooth and rich texture that ties everything together.
A dash of garlic powder can be added for depth, or for a fresher flavor, substitute with finely minced fresh garlic. For a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity, a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup can be included. Whisk these ingredients together, and you have a dressing that not only elevates the salad but also adds a vibrant sheen to it.
How to make (step-by-step photos)
Creating this butter bean salad is straightforward and rewarding. Start by rinsing and draining the butter beans, then gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumber, and slicing the red onion thin. Roughly chop the herbs and crumble the feta cheese.
Combine the prepared salad ingredients in a large bowl, tossing them gently to mix. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sumac, olive oil, garlic powder, and honey until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure every ingredient is coated with flavor. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Recipe video
For a visual guide, watch our recipe video where we walk you through each step of making this delicious butter bean salad. The video provides helpful tips on preparation and presentation, ensuring your salad looks as amazing as it tastes. Click below to watch and learn how to perfect this dish in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked butter beans
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the butter beans, and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sumac, olive oil, garlic powder, and honey.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to absorb all flavors.
Notes
This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and works great as a packed lunch. Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal. The sumac can be replaced with fresh lemon zest for a similar tart flavor profile.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 325, Fat 18g, Carbohydrates 29g, Protein 12g, Fiber 8g. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative.
Tips
For added flavor and texture, try adding roasted red peppers or olives to the salad. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the sumac dressing. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors can intensify as the salad sits.
To save time, prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to toss them together. This is especially handy if you’re making the salad for a party or event where you need everything to be fresh and vibrant.
More Salad Recipes
Healthy bean recipes
If you’re a fan of beans, you’ll love exploring our collection of bean salads and dishes. From classic three-bean salads to spicy black bean confetti, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Beans are not only versatile but also packed with protein, making them a great addition to any meal.
Each recipe focuses on using fresh, whole ingredients to create flavorsome dishes that are good for you. Discover the joy of plant-based eating with our curated list of healthy bean recipes and transform your salad game.
Save this recipe!
Don’t forget to bookmark this butter bean salad recipe for easy access whenever you need a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal option. Share it with friends who are looking for healthy and tasty recipes, and spread the joy of cooking with beans. You can also pin the recipe to your favorite food board for future inspiration.
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Butter Bean Salad with Feta | Explore why this dish combines creamy and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. |
| Ingredients (and substitutes) | Details on essential ingredients and possible substitutes for flexibility. |
| How to make | Step-by-step guidance on preparing the salad. |
| Recipe video | Visual guide to creating the perfect butter bean salad. |
| 📖 Recipe | Comprehensive details on ingredients, instructions, notes, and nutrition. |
| Tips | Suggestions to enhance the recipe and storage advice. |
| More Salad Recipes | Additional healthy bean recipes to explore. |
