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homemade Butter Bean Salad

Butter Bean Salad Recipe

This Butter Bean Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish made with creamy butter beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, fresh herbs and a tangy homemade lemon dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's packed with plant-based protein, fibre and fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Perfect served warm or chilled, this easy recipe makes a delicious light lunch, healthy side dish or satisfying meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Light Dinner, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 People
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Chopping Board
  • 1 Wooden Spoon Or Salad Servers –
  • 1 Small Jar or Bowl
  • 1 Citrus Juicer –
  • Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Can Opener –

Ingredients
  

  • 2 × 400g tins butter beans - drained and rinsed
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes - halved
  • 1 medium red onion - thinly sliced
  • 1 large cucumber - diced
  • 1 red bell pepper - diced
  • 80 g black olives - sliced
  • 20 g fresh parsley - chopped
  • 15 g fresh basil - torn
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin
  • 2 garlic cloves - finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chilli flakes - optional
  • 80 g feta cheese crumbled - (optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Beans

  • Drain the butter beans thoroughly.
  • Rinse them under cold running water.
  • Allow them to drain completely.
  • Gently pat them dry using kitchen paper.
  • Transfer the beans into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
  • Dice the cucumber into bite-sized cubes.
  • Finely slice the red onion.
  • Dice the red pepper evenly.
  • Slice the olives.
  • Chop the parsley.
  • Gently tear the basil leaves by hand.
  • Add all the prepared vegetables and herbs to the butter beans.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

    In a small bowl or jar, combine:

    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • Minced garlic
    • Honey or maple syrup
    • Sea salt
    • Black pepper
    • Chilli flakes (optional)
    • Whisk thoroughly until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly creamy.

    Step 4: Combine Everything

    • Pour the dressing evenly over the vegetables and butter beans.
    • Using a large spoon, gently fold everything together.
    • Avoid vigorous stirring, as butter beans are delicate.
    • Continue folding until every ingredient is evenly coated.
    • Your Butter Bean Salad should look colourful, glossy and fresh.

    Step 5: Warm the Salad (Optional)

    • If serving warm:
    • Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
    • Add one teaspoon of olive oil.
    • Transfer the prepared Butter Bean Salad into the pan.
    • Warm gently for 3–4 minutes.
    • Stir carefully to avoid breaking the beans.
    • Do not overcook, as the vegetables should remain crisp while the butter beans become lightly warmed.

    Step 6: Add the Final Touches

    • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if using.
    • Finish with extra chopped parsley.
    • Add freshly cracked black pepper.
    • Drizzle with a little more olive oil, if desired.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
    • Your delicious Butter Bean Salad is now ready to serve.

    Step 7: Serve

    • Serve Butter Bean Salad:
    • Warm as a comforting light meal.
    • Chilled for summer lunches.
    • Alongside grilled chicken.
    • With roasted salmon.
    • As part of a barbecue spread.
    • With crusty artisan bread.
    • As a colourful buffet salad.

    Notes

    • 🫘 For the best Butter Bean Salad, use good-quality butter beans and rinse them well before use to remove excess starch.
    • 🍋 Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest, freshest flavour and is highly recommended over bottled juice.
    • 🌿 Fresh herbs such as parsley and basil make a noticeable difference in both flavour and aroma.
    • 🥄 Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the butter beans intact and maintain their creamy texture.
    • ⏲️ Allow the salad to rest for 15–20 minutes before serving so the dressing can fully infuse the ingredients.
    • 🔥 If serving warm, heat the salad gently for only a few minutes to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
    • 🧀 Feta cheese is optional but adds a delicious creamy, salty finish.
    • 🧂 Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving, adding extra lemon juice, olive oil, salt or black pepper if needed.
    • ❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving and add fresh herbs to refresh the flavours.
    • 🚫 This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture after thawing.
    Keyword Butter Bean Salad