Summer Butter Bean Salad: A Refreshing Delight for Sunny Days
This Summer Butter Bean Salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner at home, this salad is guaranteed to impress!
This Summer Butter Bean Salad is a burst of summer flavors in every bite, marrying creamy beans with crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this dish has got you covered.
This Summer Butter Bean Salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner at home, this salad is guaranteed to impress!
What are Butter Beans?
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are creamy and tender legumes that add a delightful texture to any dish. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
What makes this Summer Butter Bean Salad healthy?
This salad is not only delicious but is also incredibly nutritious. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, the butter beans provide a good dose of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Why you’ll love this simple recipe for Butter Bean Salad
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, with the tangy dressing complementing the creamy beans and crisp veggies. Plus, it’s versatile—you can enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main course with some grilled chicken or fish.
RELATED: Heart Healthy Mexican Bean Salad – Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant colors, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients you’ll need
To whip up this delicious salad, you’ll need:
For the salad
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How do I make Butter Bean Salad?
Making this butter bean salad is as easy as pie! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed in the recipe—butter beans, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drain and Rinse the Beans: Open the cans of butter beans and pour them into a colander. Give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any excess salt or residue.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter beans, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates and serve immediately. Or, if you prefer, you can let it chill in the fridge for a bit to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious butter bean salad ready to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy!
Make this Summer Butter Bean Salad, then check out my Summer Watermelon Avocado Salad with Feta and Mint and more of my healthy summer salads.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak and cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the salad.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite veggies—think cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even some corn kernels.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
It should keep well for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely! Crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition.
How do I store leftovers of Butter Bean Salad?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), simply transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
This Butter Bean Salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner at home, this salad is guaranteed to impress. So grab your fork and dig in—your taste buds will thank you!
๐ CELEBRATE Winter with
12+ Easy Winter Salad Recipes
Delicious winter salad recipes to keep you warm and satisfied during the cold months. So ditch the boring lettuce and get ready to spice up your winter meal routine!
Other summer salad recipes to try
- Grilled Peach Summer Salad with Arugula, Mint and Pistachios
- Summer Watermelon avocado Salad with Feta and Mint
- Heart Healthy Mexican Bean Salad
- Heart Healthy Mixed Bean Salad
Summer Butter Bean Salad Recipe
This refreshing Butter Bean Salad recipe combines creamy beans with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing for a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter beans, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, gently tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 199Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 514mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 6gSugar: 12gProtein: 7g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.