Green Olive Bean Salad

This Green Olive Bean Salad is a delightful mix of chickpeas, butter beans, and flavorful castelvetrano olives. It brings together fresh herbs and a sweet honey dijon vinaigrette, creating a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or as a side for dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its unique flavors and refreshing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of olives, herbs, and spices offers a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or atop toasted sourdough for a satisfying meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich beans and fresh herbs, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after sitting for a while, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Green Olive Bean Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Jar or cup for dressing
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for emulsifying the dressing ingredients quickly and effectively.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping herbs and vegetables uniformly to enhance presentation.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Green Olive Bean Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Beans and Olives

• 1 can (13.4 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (13.4 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped

Fresh Ingredients

• 1 medium shallot, finely minced
• 1/2 cup finely minced cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely minced parsley
• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (a heaping tablespoon)
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (sub with 1 tsp red pepper flakes)

How to Make Green Olive Bean Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, butter beans, olives, shallot, cilantro, parsley, and garlic. Set aside to allow the flavors to mingle.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a jar or cup, add the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
2. Whisk well until all ingredients are fully emulsified.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

1. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl.
2. Toss everything together until well combined.
3. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
4. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Enjoy your Green Olive Bean Salad on its own or as a complement to your favorite dishes!

How to Serve Green Olive Bean Salad

This Green Olive Bean Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you want it as a light meal or a side dish, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

On Toasted Sourdough

• Toast slices of sourdough bread until golden brown. Top with a generous scoop of the salad for a satisfying open-faced sandwich.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve the salad chilled on its own for a refreshing and healthy snack or light lunch option.

With Grilled Chicken or Fish

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal that adds protein and flavor depth.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for an easy and fun finger-food option that’s perfect for gatherings.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Add this green olive bean salad to your charcuterie board. It complements cheese, crackers, and other savory bites beautifully.

Alongside Quinoa or Rice

• Serve over cooked quinoa or rice for added heartiness. The flavors meld well, making it a satisfying dish.

How to Perfect Green Olive Bean Salad

To make your Green Olive Bean Salad even more delightful, consider these tips that will elevate its taste and presentation.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olives make a significant difference in flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving; you might want to add more salt or lemon juice for balance.
• Add Crunch: Consider mixing in some chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for added texture.
• Make Ahead: This salad keeps well, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead for busy days.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Green Olive Bean Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Green Olive Bean Salad can create an even more enjoyable meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection can add smokiness and depth.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness balances nicely with the tangy salad, providing a comforting side.
3. Couscous Pilaf: Light and fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes an excellent companion.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully.
5. Mediterranean Hummus Platter: Include hummus, pita bread, and assorted veggies to create an appetizing spread.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with grains and veggies offer nutrition and visual appeal.
7. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are fresh and vibrant options.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing can provide additional nutrients while keeping things fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Green Olive Bean Salad, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Overlooking ingredient quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. Opt for fresh herbs and good-quality olives to enhance flavor.
• Not letting it sit: This salad tastes better after marinating. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend well.
• Skipping the dressing emulsification: Properly whisking your dressing ensures even distribution. Emulsify until it’s well combined for a balanced taste.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your salad before serving. Adjust salt and seasonings as needed to elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Using the wrong storage container: Store leftover salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Green Olive Bean Salad

• Not recommended for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
• It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating Green Olive Bean Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated without losing crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Green Olive Bean Salad.

What beans can I use in Green Olive Bean Salad?

You can use chickpeas and butter beans, but feel free to mix in others like black beans or kidney beans for variety.

Can I customize my Green Olive Bean Salad?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or swap herbs based on what you have on hand.

How long does Green Olive Bean Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about 3-4 days.

Is Green Olive Bean Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it only gets better with time, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Green Olive Bean Salad is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Its combination of flavors makes it a perfect side dish or light meal. Feel free to customize it with various herbs or vegetables based on your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this refreshing salad!

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Green Olive Bean Salad

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Green Olive Bean Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that combines protein-rich chickpeas, creamy butter beans, and the unique flavor of castelvetrano olives. Tossed with fresh herbs and a sweet honey dijon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for summer picnics or as a side at dinner gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and can easily be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping for toasted sourdough bread for a delightful open-faced sandwich.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (13.4 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (13.4 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
• 1 medium shallot, finely minced
• 1/2 cup finely minced cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely minced parsley
• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (sub with 1 tsp red pepper flakes)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, butter beans, olives, shallot, cilantro, parsley, and garlic.
2. In a separate jar or cup, mix lemon juice, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well emulsified.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss until combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg