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, my Za’atar and Mint Butter Bean Salad is perfect.
The rich, creamy texture of butter beans here pairs really 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, I think 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.
Here are a few more perfect salads for your Easter spread or springtime supper:
Broccoli Slaw from Recipe Girl
Citrus-Herb Orzo Salad from Offbeat + Inspired
Easter Egg Cobb Salad from Dinner: A Love Story
Girl & The Goat Magic Beans from Stephanie Izard
Mandarin Orange Salad with Glazed Almonds from Short Stop Blog
Roasted Asparagus Salad with Pecorino, Lemon, and Olive Oil from Cooking Light
Vegan Asparagus Salad for Spring with Tomatoes, Hearts of Palm, and Chives from Kalyn’s Kitchen
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 to 4 tablespoons)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon za’atar (see Note)
- 1 (15.5 oz/439 g) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ bunch fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 4 to 6 scallions, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs of mint leaves, chopped
- 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.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk) says
April 3, 2015 at 7:29 amThis looks so fresh and delicious! I love za’atar and haven’t tried it in any salads.
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
April 3, 2015 at 11:16 amWhat 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!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
April 3, 2015 at 12:13 pmLooks delicious! I want a bowl for lunch right now :)
Eileen says
April 3, 2015 at 3:48 pmThis sounds like the perfect quick lunch for spring! Love all those beautiful green herbs.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
April 3, 2015 at 10:34 pmI am SO making this salad. I love healthy recipes like this.. especially at this chocolate-y holiday season!
KalynsKitchen says
April 4, 2015 at 7:51 amThis 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.
Joanne says
April 7, 2015 at 3:34 pmI love the color contrasts in this dish! And the creamy butter beans paired with za’atar…two of my favorite things!
Julia says
April 21, 2015 at 3:21 pmWhat a great combination. I love using za’atar in salad and the idea of putting it with mint and butter beans sounds perfect.