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In this 10-minute za’atar and mint butter bean salad, creamy, mild-flavored butter beans pair perfectly with crunchy bell pepper, savory za’atar, and fresh herbs.
We all need a few super easy recipes up our sleeve.
For nights when you’re throwing chicken or steak on the grill and need an easy side dish, or for days when you want something a little different for lunch that doesn’t require cooking, this za’atar and mint butter bean salad is perfect.
The rich, creamy texture of butter beans pairs really here well with the fresh crunch of green pepper and bright-flavored herbs. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend with savory flavors like thyme, sesame, and sumac. It adds a great punch of flavor to this salad, taking it over the top.
As perfect as this is for a quick lunch or weeknight side dish, it would be equally lovely as part of an Easter spread or any springtime celebration. With its bright green color and fresh flavor, this salad really says spring.
Additionally, this vegan and gluten free salad is great for a picnic! It’s easy to whip up in just 10 minutes, and there’s no creamy dressing to worry about spoiling.
Easy Za’atar and Mint Butter Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas. For the full recipe (including ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
Za’atar Lemon Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- Fresh lemon juice – we use a lemon-based salad dressing to flavor the salad; if you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar instead
- Olive oil – use rich, peppery extra-virgin olive oil here
- Za’atar – this Middle Eastern spice mix packs a ton of flavor from ingredients like thyme and sumac; za’atar usually contains salt, so don’t add any more salt until after you taste the salad
Butter Bean Salad Ingredients:
- Canned butter beans – rinse and drain them before using
- Green bell pepper – or any color bell pepper you like
- Fresh parsley, scallion, and mint – these fresh herbs add tons of flavor to this quick and easy bean salad
Instructions
Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl. Stir all salad ingredients into the dressing.
Taste and add salt as desired. Serve or refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving.
Storage
You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. I don’t recommend storing it longer than that because the fresh herbs can brown.
Butter Beans FAQs
Are Canned Butter Beans Already Cooked?
Yes! Like all canned beans, canned butter beans are already cooked and ready to eat.
Why Do You Have to Rinse Canned Beans Before Using?
There are 2 reasons to rinse canned beans before eating them: 1) it reduces excess salt, and 2) it cuts down on the starchy liquid you consume.
The starchy liquid won’t hurt you, but its thick and has a slimy mouthfeel, and can change the viscosity of a recipe. Also, the starchy bean liquid has been known to contribute to gas and bloating.
Are Butter Beans and Lima Beans the Same Thing?
Yes. This type of bean is called Phaseolus lunatus, and the term lima beans and butter beans refers to the same thing. You can read more about this legume on Wikipedia.
More Bean Salads to Try
- Mediterranean Bean Salad
- White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Salad
- Falafel-Spiced Roasted Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
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Za’atar and Mint Butter Bean Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
Salad:
- 15.5 ounce can butter beans rinsed and drained
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs of mint leaves chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl.
- Stir all salad ingredients into the dressing.
- Taste and add salt as desired.
- Serve or refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving.
Notes
- Za’atar: This spice blend can be more or less salty. You may want to add salt to this salad depending how salty your za’atar mix is.
- Storage: You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. I don’t recommend storing it longer than that because the fresh herbs can brown.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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What a great combination. I love using za’atar in salad and the idea of putting it with mint and butter beans sounds perfect.
I love the color contrasts in this dish! And the creamy butter beans paired with za’atar…two of my favorite things!
This looks wonderful! I have a favorite salad with cannelini beans and mint, but adding the Za’atar is a brilliant touch. Thanks for the mention of my salad too.
I am SO making this salad. I love healthy recipes like this.. especially at this chocolate-y holiday season!
This sounds like the perfect quick lunch for spring! Love all those beautiful green herbs.
Looks delicious! I want a bowl for lunch right now :)
What a stunner this salad is, Faith! I love za’atar seasoning and I love all of the fresh herbs you’ve added here too. Delicious!
This looks so fresh and delicious! I love za’atar and haven’t tried it in any salads.