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Fresh Turkish White Bean Salad

fresh turkish white bean salad - featured image

A vibrant, tangy, and fresh Turkish white bean salad featuring creamy beans, lemony dressing, and fresh herbs. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a wholesome and flavorful meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked white beans or 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional extras: handful of chopped walnuts or toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them under cold water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid. If cooking dried beans, soak overnight and simmer until tender (about 1-1.5 hours). Do not mash the beans; keep them whole with a slight bite.
  2. Finely dice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley and mint finely. Mince the garlic very finely.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, sumac (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine the beans, onion, tomatoes, and herbs in a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly without crushing the beans.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the beans soak up the dressing for best flavor. It can be served immediately if needed.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add cracked black pepper, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta if desired.

Notes

Rinsing canned beans improves flavor and texture by removing metallic taste and excess salt. Chop herbs finely to release oils and aroma. Toss salad gently to keep beans intact. Letting salad rest in fridge enhances flavor as beans soak up dressing. Sumac adds authentic tangy depth; smoked paprika is a good substitute if unavailable. Optional nuts and feta add texture and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bean salad, Turkish salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegan salad, gluten-free salad