Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This zesty butter bean salad is your answer. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, it's the perfect quick dinner idea or a delightful side dish for any occasion. This recipe is a testament to how simple homemade cooking can be, resulting in a truly delicious dish that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to elevate your meal game with this surprisingly satisfying and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Start by rinsing and draining the butter beans. Then, finely chop the red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber. Mince the fresh parsley. Halve the Kalamata olives. Preparing all the ingredients beforehand makes the assembly process a breeze.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the butter beans, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and olives.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing is the key to this salad's success.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the butter bean mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to avoid crushing the beans and vegetables.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
Tips for the Best Butter Bean Salad:
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Bean Selection: While canned butter beans are convenient, you can also use cooked dried butter beans for a deeper, earthier flavor. Just make sure they're cooked until tender.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Fresh Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or mint for a unique twist.
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Add Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp would be a fantastic addition to make this a more substantial meal.
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Make it a Meal Prep Winner: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout.
Variations:
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Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
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Italian Inspired: Substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar and add some fresh basil.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
This zesty butter bean salad is a versatile and healthy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a true winner. Enjoy!