Mediterranean White Bean Salad

When I think of warm weather and fresh flavors, nothing quite compares to a vibrant Mediterranean White Bean Salad. This dish transports me to sun-drenched terraces overlooking the waves, where the aroma of citrus and herbs wafts through the air. Just the other day, I found myself craving something light yet satisfying, and this salad came to mind. It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes, with creamy butter beans, crunchy hazelnuts, and the freshness of asparagus and mint. Each bite is a celebration of seasonal goodness!

I remember the first time I made this salad for a gathering. Friends were mingling, and the table was filled with colorful dishes, but the Mediterranean White Bean Salad truly stole the show. As I tossed the ingredients together, I could already see their eyes light up in anticipation. This dish is not just about the flavors; it represents the joy of bringing people together over nourishing food. It’s one of those recipes that invites everyone to gather around the table and share stories, laughter, and delicious bites.

So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch, a side for dinner, or a vibrant dish for a picnic, the Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a delightful choice. It’s quick to whip up and can be made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those sunny days when fresh ingredients beckon!

What Goes Into Mediterranean White Bean Salad

The philosophy behind this Mediterranean White Bean Salad lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the overall harmony of the dish. The key players, such as butter beans, asparagus, and hazelnuts, not only provide nutrition but also create a delightful crunch and creaminess that makes this salad irresistible.

• 1 tablespoon capers – These little bursts of flavor add a briny kick that elevates the entire salad.
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated – Garlic brings a warm, aromatic quality that rounds out the freshness of other ingredients.
• 2 Medjool dates, diced small – The sweetness from the dates balances the savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced – Parsley adds a bright, herbal note, uplifting the salad’s taste.
• 2 teaspoons ground sumac – This tangy spice gives a unique flavor that’s quintessential to Mediterranean cuisine.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing flavors, adjusting as needed based on preference.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat that complements the other ingredients.
• zest and juice of 1 lemon – The lemon brightens the salad, contributing freshness and acidity.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – A rich base that adds smoothness and depth of flavor.
• 15-ounce can butter beans, drained and rinsed – These creamy beans serve as the main protein source, making the salad hearty.
• ½ cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped – Olives add a savory brine and texture, enhancing the Mediterranean essence.
• ¼ cup thinly sliced shallot – Shallots introduce a mild onion flavor, providing a sweet, subtle complexity.
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch segments; blanched and chilled in an ice bath – Asparagus adds crunch and vibrant color, making the salad visually appealing.
• ¼ cup mint leaves, freshly torn or minced – The mint brings a refreshing brightness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• ¼ cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped; toasted if desired in a dry skillet – Hazelnuts offer a nutty crunch, adding texture and richness.

Recipe Steps for Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Making the Mediterranean White Bean Salad is an enjoyable and straightforward process. I love how quickly it comes together while allowing for creativity. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by preparing a large mixing bowl. Add the capers and mash them with a fork until they break down slightly. This will release their intense flavor into the salad.
2. Next, incorporate the garlic, dates, parsley, sumac, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a vibrant dressing that will coat the salad.
3. Add the butter beans, olives, and shallot to the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together with the dressing to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. If you have more time, feel free to let it sit longer. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. It can even be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge!
5. While the salad is marrying flavors, prepare the asparagus. I usually opt for the microwave method; place the chopped asparagus in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and heat on high for about 3 minutes. Make sure to monitor the cooking process, as asparagus cooks quickly.
6. Once cooked, immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This keeps the color vibrant and the texture crisp.
7. After cooling, drain the asparagus and add it to the mixing bowl with the salad. Toss everything together gently.
8. Next, fold in the freshly torn or minced mint leaves and the hazelnuts. If you choose to toast the hazelnuts, do so over medium-high heat for just a couple of minutes, shaking the skillet continuously to avoid burning.
9. Taste the salad to check for seasoning balance. If it seems flat, feel free to sprinkle in a bit more salt or add a touch of red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or more lemon juice for brightness.
10. Serve the Mediterranean White Bean Salad immediately, or if desired, cover and chill in the fridge for about one hour to enhance the flavors even further. It’s also delicious served alongside whipped ricotta or feta!

Helpful Notes about Mediterranean White Bean Salad

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is not just delicious; it’s also quite practical. Here are some helpful notes to consider:

• Storage: This salad will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. It may separate slightly, so just give it a good toss before serving.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the beans and vegetables may change.
• Variations: You can add crumbled feta or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Serving suggestions: Pair with grilled vegetables or serve as a side to a protein of your choice.
• Make it vegetarian: This salad is already vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meals.

What to Serve With Mediterranean White Bean Salad

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of options. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: This salad complements grilled chicken perfectly, adding a fresh and tangy side.
• Pita Bread: Serve it with warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean experience.
• Quinoa: Pair this salad with quinoa for a filling, nutritious meal.
• Fish: It goes well with grilled or baked fish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Picnics: This salad is great for outdoor gatherings, making it a perfect dish for picnics and barbecues.
• Brunch: Serve it as a refreshing side at brunch alongside eggs or pastries.
• Seasonal Variations: In summer, add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness; in winter, roasted vegetables can add warmth.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mediterranean White Bean Salad shines as a bright, refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of creamy beans, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try this delightful salad and experience the vibrant flavors for yourself. You won’t be disappointed, and it might become a staple in your warm-weather menu!

Mediterranean White Bean Salad

The ultimate fresh and vibrant dish, the Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a perfect blend of creamy butter beans, crunchy hazelnuts, and bright vegetables. Topped with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated
• 2 pieces Medjool dates, diced small (use 3 dates if they’re small or you want a bit more sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons ground sumac (paprika or smoked paprika is the closest substitute)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 zest and juice lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 15 ounce can butter beans, drained and rinsed (butter beans are lima beans; other white beans like Great Northern, cannellini, or garbanzo beans may be substituted)
• ½ cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped if desired
• ¼ cup thinly sliced shallot
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch segments; blanched and chilled in an ice bath (green beans are a good sub)
• ¼ cup mint leaves, freshly torn or minced
• ¼ cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped; toasted if desired in a dry skillet (sliced almonds are a great substitution)

Equipment

• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Food Processor
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. To a large mixing bowl, add the capers and mash them with a fork. Add the garlic, dates, parsley, sumac, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and whisk to combine.
2. Add the butter beans, olives, shallot and toss with the dressing. Let sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. If you have more time, you can let stand longer. Make-Ahead Tip– You can stop now, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; then carry on with the rest of the recipe.
3. While the beans are marinating, blanch the asparagus. I find it easiest to add the asparagus to a microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it come up to just boiling in my microwave, about 3 minutes on high; all microwaves differ as do preferences for doneness so cook as long as desired noting that in general asparagus cooks very quickly.
4. If you prefer to do this on the stove with a pot of water, go for it. Drain immediately when done, and have an ice bath waiting, and plop the asparagus into it to stop the cooking process. Tip– For a fancier presentation, use only asparagus tips. If using just the tips, they cook quicker than the stalks so be careful you don't overcook them.
5. Add the cooled and drained asparagus to the mixing bowl along with the mint, hazelnuts (if you're toasting them in a dry skillet, do so over medium-high heat for just a couple minutes while shaking the skillet nearly constantly so they don't burn), stir to combine, and taste to check for seasoning balance.
6. Flavor Tips– If it tastes at all flat, boring, or dull, it likely needs more salt so don't be afraid to add it. If you want it to have a tiny pop of heat, red pepper flakes are great. If you want it to have some smokiness, a sprinkle of smoked paprika is nice. If you're a fan of lemon, add more lemon juice. If you want more mint, parsley, extra nuts, etc. feel free to add them. If you want to add crumbled feta or your favorite grated or shredded cheese, go for it.
7. Serve immediately; or if desired, cover, and chill in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving. Optionally serve with: Whipped Ricotta: If you'd like to serve it with whipped ricotta (as shown), simply add 2 cups of whole milk ricotta to a small food processor with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Puree for 1–2 minutes until creamy and smooth. Whipped Feta: See my Whipped Feta recipe if you prefer feta to ricotta.

Notes

• Storage: Recipe will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Do not freeze.

Previous PostChantilly Berry Cake

Next Post Easiest Chicken Taco Soup

Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"