Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a bright and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion, then you’ll love this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! It’s one of those recipes that always brings a smile to my face. The combination of creamy butter beans, chickpeas, and tangy olives makes it a delightful addition to any meal. Plus, the za’atar marinade adds a unique twist that elevates the whole dish.

This salad is not just for special gatherings; it’s also great for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying. You can serve it as a main dish or as a vibrant side at family gatherings. Either way, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy days.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of za’atar, sumac, and garlic creates a deliciously aromatic dressing that enhances the beans beautifully.
• Make-ahead friendly: Allow the flavors to meld by letting it marinate in the fridge. It tastes even better after a couple of hours!
• Versatile: Perfect on its own or served with toasted bread or in a pita—this salad adapts to your meal ideas easily.
• Healthy goodness: Full of plant-based protein and fresh herbs, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad. Most of these items are pantry staples or can be found in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 lemon’s 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

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is super flexible! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
• Change up the beans: Use black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat!
• Mix in grains: For added texture and heartiness, mix in cooked quinoa or farro.

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 it together with the kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside for now. This step is essential because it mellows out the onion’s sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness. If you prefer smaller bites, feel free to dice instead of slice!

Step 2: Combine Beans and Olives

Drain and rinse both cans of beans until they are clean from any canning liquid. Roughly chop your green olives and finely mince the mint and parsley. Once done, add all these goodies into the bowl with your onions. This colorful mix sets the stage for all those vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a small pan over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté until the garlic begins to brown—this step helps release its rich flavor into the oil. Remove from heat immediately and sprinkle in za’atar, sumac, and cumin. Stir quickly; blooming these spices will enhance their aromas before drizzling them over your salad.

Step 4: Toss Together

Pour that fragrant marinade over your salad mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Don’t forget to taste! Adjust with more salt if needed—seasoning is key here! I recommend letting your salad marinate in the fridge for about two hours before serving; however, it’s perfectly fine to dig right in if you’re eager!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

This beautiful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad shines when served over toasted sourdough topped with labneh or ricotta—Kite Hill is my favorite non-dairy option! Alternatively, scoop it into pita wraps for an easy lunch on-the-go. It keeps well in the fridge for about a week but do note that it’ll start losing some crunch after day four.

And there you have it! A delicious recipe that’s sure to brighten up your table any day of the week!

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Creating the perfect Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

• Mellow the onion: Allowing the sliced onion to sit in lemon juice and salt not only mellows its sharpness but also infuses it with a delightful tang. This step makes each bite more balanced and enjoyable.
• Use fresh herbs: Opt for fresh mint and parsley instead of dried. Fresh herbs bring a burst of brightness and flavor that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
• Let it marinate: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the salad to marinate for at least 2 hours lets all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to tweak the za’atar, sumac, or cumin amounts based on your taste preferences. Each person’s palate is different, so adjust these spices to find your perfect blend!
• Serve chilled: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Chilling it helps to enhance the flavors further and makes for a refreshing dish on warmer days.

How to Serve Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

This vibrant Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Here are some serving ideas that will make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Crumbled feta or vegan feta: A sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a creamy texture and salty contrast that perfectly complements the salad’s flavors.
• Extra mint leaves: A few whole mint leaves as a garnish not only look beautiful but also provide an aromatic touch that invites guests to dive in.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This refreshing side dish full of parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur wheat pairs wonderfully with the bean salad’s rich marinade.
• Roasted Vegetables: Tossing seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots in olive oil and roasting them until caramelized adds a lovely depth to your meal.
• Pita Bread: Warmed pita bread is perfect for scooping up this hearty salad or enjoying alongside it.
• Cucumber Yogurt Dip: A cool cucumber yogurt dip balances out the flavors of the za’atar bean salad beautifully while adding creaminess.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad will not only be delicious but also an impressive centerpiece at any meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only easy to make but also gets better as it marinates. You can whip up a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week, although it may lose some crunch and vibrancy after four days.
• If needed, adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or lemon juice before serving.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, if you wish to freeze it:
• Place the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to one month, but note that texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating

• If you prefer your salad slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish:

Can I use other beans in my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Absolutely! While chickpeas and butter beans are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with black beans, white beans, or kidney beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed properly.

How long should I marinate my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

For maximum flavor, allow your salad to marinate for about two hours. However, it’s also delightful when served fresh right after preparation!

Can I substitute za’atar seasoning in the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Yes, if you don’t have za’atar on hand, you can create a similar flavor by mixing dried oregano, thyme, and sesame seeds. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still add a lovely herbal note!

Is this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad vegan?

Yes! This recipe is completely plant-based and free from animal-derived products. It makes a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy vegan option.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad becomes a new favorite in your kitchen! With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal or snack. Enjoy making it as much as I do and don’t hesitate to share your variations or tips! Happy cooking!