Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is just what you need. This delightful salad brings together hearty beans, tangy olives, and a bright marinade that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

What I love about this salad is how easy it is to whip up. You can make it ahead of time, letting those flavors meld beautifully for an even tastier experience. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal on its own, this salad is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that everyone will love, this salad is great for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after marinating for a couple of hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over toasted sourdough or in a pita wrap—there’s no wrong way to eat this salad!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Get ready to gather everything you need for this tasty dish!

For the Salad

• 1/2 (85 g) medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed (used a total of 2 1/2 tsp in the salad)
• 1 lemons worth zest
• 3 tbsp (32 g) lemon juice
• 1 (13.4 oz or 380 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 oz or 400 g) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (115 g) green olives, roughly chopped (a 10 oz jar of olives)
• 7-8 jarred artichoke hearts, quartered (optional)
• 1/2 cup (9 g) firmly packed mint leaves, finely minced
• 1/2 cup (18 g) firmly packed parsley, finely minced

For the Marinade

• 3 tbsp (52 g) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 (15 g) garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped
• 3 tsp za’atar
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Toss in diced cucumbers or bell peppers for added texture.
• Change up the beans: Use black beans or kidney beans instead of chickpeas and butter beans for a different flavor profile.
• Spice things up: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil instead of mint and parsley.

How to Make Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Thinly slice the onion and add it to a large bowl. Toss together with kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Letting the onions sit helps mellow their sharpness while enhancing their sweetness—this step truly transforms the dish!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Drain and rinse your chickpeas and butter beans. Roughly chop the green olives and finely mince the mint and parsley. Add all these delightful ingredients into the bowl with the onions. This mix creates a colorful base full of textures.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a pan, add extra virgin olive oil and smashed garlic cloves. Sauté on medium heat until the garlic just begins to brown—this releases amazing flavors into your oil. Immediately remove from heat and sprinkle in za’atar, sumac, and cumin to bloom those spices!

Step 4: Dress Your Salad

Pour the warm marinade over your salad mixture and toss everything together gently. Adjust salt if needed; this salad gets even better after marinating for about two hours but tastes fantastic right away too.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Enjoy your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad over toasted sourdough topped with labneh or ricotta. It’s also perfect stuffed into pita wraps! Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container; they’ll last about a week but may lose some crunch after day four.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this wonderful dish! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Making a delicious and vibrant Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, and I’m here to help you nail it!

• Mellow the onions: By soaking the sliced onions in salt, lemon juice, and zest, you enhance their sweetness and reduce their sharpness. This creates a more harmonious flavor profile in your salad.
• Customize your beans: Feel free to swap in your favorite beans! Whether it’s black beans or kidney beans, using what you love can add a personal touch to this dish.
• Let it marinate: For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate for at least two hours before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld together, creating a more robust taste.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of za’atar or try adding other spices like smoked paprika or even chili flakes for a kick. Personalizing spices can make this salad uniquely yours!
• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it’s best enjoyed within four days for crunchiness, it will still be delicious for up to a week.

How to Serve Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Presentation is key when serving your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish that will impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley on top brightens up the dish visually and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Lemon wedges: Serving with lemon wedges allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their salad, enhancing the tanginess.
• Toasted nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can provide a satisfying crunch and additional richness.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This refreshing side made with bulgur wheat or quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs complements the bean salad beautifully while adding extra fiber.
• Hummus with Veggies: A creamy hummus served alongside crunchy veggie sticks makes for a wonderful dip that pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant bring warmth and earthiness that balances out the bright notes of the salad.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up your salad or enjoying on its own. It’s an easy way to make this meal even more satisfying!

Enjoy crafting your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but a lovely experience around your dining table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is not only a delightful dish to enjoy fresh, but it also shines as a meal prep superstar! Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will maintain its best quality for up to 1 week.
• For optimal crunch and vibrancy, try to consume within 4 days.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze it if needed.
• Store in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating

• While this salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, if you prefer warmth, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
• Avoid overheating to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad!

Can I use different beans for the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out chickpeas or butter beans for your favorites like black beans or kidney beans. Just make sure they are cooked and drained.

How long does the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad last?

The salad stays good for up to 1 week in the fridge. However, it’s best enjoyed within 4 days for maximum crunch and flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Yes! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness and crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep since it gets better as it sits. Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for easy lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to try this delicious Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! It’s a beautiful medley of flavors that not only nourishes but also brings a burst of vibrant colors to your table. Enjoy making it, sharing with loved ones, or savoring solo. Happy cooking!