Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor, then you’re in for a treat with this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! This salad has quickly become one of my go-to favorites. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a healthy meal after a long day or hosting a family gathering, this salad will impress.

The combination of creamy butter beans, hearty chickpeas, and briny olives makes each bite satisfying. Plus, the tangy za’atar dressing adds an aromatic twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me when I say that this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is both easy to make and utterly delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time!
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of za’atar, garlic, and lemon creates a marinade that bursts with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after marinating for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the textures and flavors, from kids to adults!
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish – it’s great with almost any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad uses simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Change the Beans: Use black beans or kidney beans instead of chickpeas or butter beans for a different twist.
• Herb Swap: Try using cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

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 kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Letting the onions sit like this mellows their sharpness and makes them sweeter—trust me; you’ll love the difference!

Step 2: Mix in the Beans and Olives

Drain and rinse both cans of beans. Then roughly chop your olives and finely mince the herbs. Add all these ingredients to your bowl with the onions. The combination of textures here is wonderful—creamy beans mingling with crunchy olives!

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a pan over medium heat, combine olive oil and garlic. Sauté until the garlic just begins to brown—it adds such depth! Remove from heat and stir in za’atar, sumac, and cumin; blooming these spices brings out their flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Pour your flavorful marinade over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Don’t forget to taste; adjust for salt if needed! While it’s delicious right away, letting it marinate for about two hours really enhances the flavors.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

This salad is amazing served over toasted sourdough with labneh or ricotta—or even wrapped in pita bread! And here’s a bonus: it stays good in the fridge for up to one week. Just note that it may lose some crunch after four days.

Enjoy making this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen too.

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Making a delicious salad is all about the little touches that elevate the flavors and textures. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is a hit!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint and parsley not only add flavor but also bring brightness and color to your dish, making it visually appealing.
• Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to marinate for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors as they meld together, resulting in a more robust taste.
• Experiment with beans: While chickpeas and butter beans are great, feel free to swap in your favorites like black beans or white beans for a unique twist.
• Toast the spices: Sautéing garlic in olive oil before adding spices releases their essential oils, amplifying the flavor profile of your salad.
• Serve chilled: This salad tastes best when served cold, so consider chilling it in the fridge for an hour before serving to enhance its refreshing nature.

How to Serve Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad shines when presented beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal at home, there are plenty of ways to make this dish stand out!

Garnishes

• Crumbled feta cheese: Adding crumbled feta (or a non-dairy alternative) provides a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy vegetables.
• Sliced radishes: A sprinkle of thinly sliced radishes brings a pop of color and an extra crunch, enhancing the visual appeal of your salad.
• Toasted pine nuts: These add a delightful nuttiness and subtle crunch that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Pita bread with hummus: Soft pita bread paired with creamy hummus makes for a classic Middle-Eastern combination that’s sure to please everyone.
• Tabbouleh: This refreshing parsley salad offers bright flavors and complements the za’atar bean salad beautifully with its lemony finish.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide warmth and richness, balancing out the bright flavors of your bean salad.
• Cucumber yogurt dip: A cool cucumber dip adds creaminess and freshness which pairs well with the tangy flavors of the marinated salad.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy or impress others with this delightful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves you time during busy weekdays but also tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep well for up to 1 week, although it may start to lose some crunch after day 4.
• Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze the components separately if desired.
• Freeze the beans and olives in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling the salad again.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s delicious served cold or at room temperature!
• If you prefer, you can quickly warm individual portions in a microwave, but I recommend enjoying it as is.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful salad.

What goes well with Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with toasted sourdough, labneh, or even inside a pita wrap. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or your favorite protein for a balanced meal.

Can I add other ingredients to my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some grains like quinoa for extra texture and nutrition.

How long does Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad will last up to one week. However, it tastes best within the first four days!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad as much as I do! It’s not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile for any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a refreshing dish to share with friends, this salad is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!