Za’atar and Mint Butter Bean Salad (Vegan and Gluten Free)

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