Greek Style Jumbo White Bean Salad

Greek Style Jumbo White Bean Salad | Recipe | Elle Republic (2024)

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A simple jumbo white bean salad loaded with bright flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, olives and fresh herbs. Light, fresh and satisfying this white bean salad recipe can easily be prepared ahead and makes a great lunch or side dish. This dish is quick and easy to make and tastes great eaten immediately, but gets even better with a little extra time.

What kind of beans to use in this salad?

Jumbo white beans (butter beans or fava beans) are my absolute favorite for this salad. And since beans are the focus of this salad, I like to use dried ones, as I find the flavor and texture superior. However, canned beans are also a good choice if you are looking for a quick alternative. Other great choices are cannellini beans, or you could even opt for chickpeas.

Go ahead, make a batch of beans

Speaking of dried beans, I am a fan of making a big batch and then storing extras in the fridge so that they can be added to other dishes I am preparing that week, whether it be soups, salads or even pasta. Or try freezing them, it is a great way to preserve cooked beans!

What I love about this Greek style white bean salad

It uses simple ingredients and all you need is a little extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar for the dressing.
You can use dried beans or canned beans, meaning you can plan ahead or make it spontaneously.
It’s a one bowl meal which is dead easy to make. Throw everything together and toss.
Light but satisfying. The star ingredient is a great source of plant-based protein which will leaves you feeling satisfied.
Packed with flavor! This Greek-style bean salad is full of Mediterranean flavors, thanks to fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and feta.
Can be made ahead. Which makes it great for meal planning, take-to-work lunches, picnics, and for enjoying leftovers. It’s even better tasting when the flavors have had time to meld and intensify.

What to serve with this jumbo white bean salad

This Greek style jumbo white bean salad is wonderful served on its own, or you could add it to a green salad. You could also serve it alongside cooked grains with steamed or roasted vegetables, or even as a side with grilled fish. Or try spooning it over toast for brunch.

Looking for other ideas with jumbo white beans?

Try one of these recipes.

Simple jumbo white bean salad recipe loaded with bright Mediterranean flavors! A greek-style dish made with fresh herbs, tomatoes, Kalamata olives and feta. Make ahead for even more flavor!

CourseSalad, Side Dish

Ingredients

225gdried jumbo white beans,soaked overnight (500 g cooked) or 2 x 400 g cans beans, drained and rinsed
3tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1shallot,finely chopped
1small garlic,minced
30gkalamata olives,pitted and chopped (about 10 olives)
30goil-packed sun-dried tomatoes(about 4 halves)
200gcherry tomatoes,halved
2tablespoonsfreshly chopped mint leaves
3tablespoonsfreshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
75gfeta,crumbled (or more, to taste)
pinchof red pepper flakes(optional)

Method

To prepare dried beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, add the beans and cover with 5 cm cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, partially covered, gently stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, but still hold their shape. This will take 60-90 minutes depending on how long the beans were soaked. Drain any excess water and allow the beans to cool down before using in the salad.
Transfer the beans to a serving bowl, add the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, garlic, olive and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss to combine. Then add the remaining ingredients; cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs and feta. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to incorporate.
Let stand for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld (or longer).
Serve (see tips below) and enjoy!

Notes

This salad can be made with your favourite mix of fresh herbs. Choose a mix of tender herbs such as mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, and/or dill.
This salad can also be made in advance, as it gives it a chance for the flavours meld. You can make it up to 3 hours in advance, or store it in the fridge in an airtight container overnight.
I like to serve this salad with greens such as spinach (and sometime throw in some diced avocado), or with ciabatta and some high-quality olive oil and flaky salt for dipping, or served topped over toasted bread.

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Greek Style Jumbo White Bean Salad | Recipe | Elle Republic (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest white bean? ›

Royal Corona beans can replace any white bean, but be prepared to be astounded by how big they are when cooked.

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What does Greek salad taste like? ›

The simple Greek salad is a refreshingly light, bright and flavourful side that's a welcomed sight at an barbecue or family gathering. Salty olives and feta teamed with fresh crispy tomatoes and cucumbers is a Greek recipe beloved by Aussies.

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What are giant white beans called? ›

I am referring to these meaty beans as simply giant white beans, as they fall under many different names. The Italians call them corona beans; the Greeks call them gigante beans. You'll also sometimes find them labeled as butter beans. They all, in fact, stem from the good ol' lima bean.

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What are the large white beans called? ›

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

Is it OK to eat Greek salad everyday? ›

It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains ingredients full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as oil and onion, which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. We suggest adding this low-fat superfood to your everyday diet!

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What is the difference between Mediterranean salad and Greek salad? ›

The primary difference lies in the use of specific ingredients. While both salads incorporate fresh vegetables and olive oil, Greek salad is characterized by the addition of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, giving it a uniquely Greek flavour.

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Why is a Greek salad so high in calories? ›

Greek salad: While a Greek salad has a lot of “healthy” ingredients, the additions give it its flavor and appeal. Feta, stuffed grape leaves and olives can add hundreds of extra calories and grams of fat. This salad may start with a 300-calorie base, but just the olive oil in the dressing racks up 200 calories.

What are the biggest beans called? ›

Gigante beans are essentially large lima beans (also known as butter beans), but they are a little different from the varieties you'd find on the shelves in the US. And that's because they are grown in Greece, in the northwest of the country in regions like Prespes.

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Are giant white beans healthy? ›

White beans are a nutritional powerhouse, as they're packed with fiber and protein and a good source of numerous micronutrients, including folate, magnesium, and vitamin B6.

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What are large white lima beans called? ›

The term "butter bean" is widely used in North and South Carolina for a large, flat and yellow/white variety of lima bean (P. lunatus var. macrocarpus, or P. limensis).

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Are cannellini beans large? ›

Both cannellini beans—also known as white kidney beans—and great northern beans are small- to medium-size white beans that are widely available in the U.S. in cans and dried. Both types of bean also originated and were cultivated in the area that is now South America and are part of the Phaseolus vulgaris species.