Name: Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1 (13.4 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 (14 oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup green olives, roughly chopped; 7 to 8 jarred artichoke hearts, quartered (optional); ½ cup firmly packed mint leaves, finely minced; ½ cup firmly packed parsley, finely minced; 1 lemon, zest; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped; 3 teaspoons za’atar; 1 teaspoon sumac; ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Aromatic: The za’atar and sumac blend together to give this salad a unique, aromatic flavor that’s both tangy and savory.
Fresh and Light: With the bright flavors of lemon, mint, and parsley, this salad is refreshing and satisfying without being heavy.
Versatile: This dish can be served on its own, over toasted sourdough, or with creamy labneh or ricotta for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead: The flavors meld beautifully as the salad marinates, so it’s an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings or meal prep.
Diet-Friendly: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein and fiber from the beans.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Beans:

½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 (13.4 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (14 oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup green olives, roughly chopped
7 to 8 jarred artichoke hearts, quartered (optional)
½ cup firmly packed mint leaves, finely minced
½ cup firmly packed parsley, finely minced

Citrus and Seasonings:

1 lemon, zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Marinade:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped
3 teaspoons za’atar
1 teaspoon sumac
½ teaspoon ground cumin

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Red Onion

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together thoroughly, then set aside for about 10 minutes to mellow and sweeten the onion.

2. Add the Beans and Vegetables

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and butter beans. Roughly chop the green olives and quarter the artichoke hearts if you’re using them. Finely mince the mint and parsley. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the onions.

3. Make the Marinade

In a small pan over medium heat, combine the extra virgin olive oil and chopped garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the za’atar, sumac, and ground cumin. Let the spices bloom in the oil for 30 seconds to release their flavors.

4. Combine the Salad and Marinade

Pour the warm, spice-infused marinade over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional kosher salt if needed.

5. Marinate and Serve

For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate for at least 2 hours before serving, although you can serve it immediately if you’re short on time. The salad improves as it sits and marinates, so preparing it in advance is ideal.

6. Serving Suggestions

Serve the salad over toasted sourdough, or alongside labneh or ricotta for a creamy contrast. It’s also delicious as a standalone dish.

Notes

Flavor Enhancement: The salad tastes even better the longer it marinates, so preparing it a day ahead will allow the flavors to deepen.
Milder Onion Flavor: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, dice the onion instead of slicing it. This will reduce the sharpness and make it blend more easily into the salad.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salad will continue to marinate and improve in flavor.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad is perfect for make-ahead meals. It tastes better as it marinates, so preparing it a few hours or the day before serving enhances its flavor.

2. Can I use other herbs in this salad?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the mint and parsley for other fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or basil, depending on your taste preferences.

3. Can I substitute the butter beans for another type of bean?

Yes, you can use any bean you prefer, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, or even black beans, depending on your desired texture and flavor.

4. Can I make this salad spicy?

If you like heat, you can add some red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra spice.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in a simple yet satisfying way. With hearty beans, tangy lemon, and aromatic herbs, this salad is a perfect side dish or light meal. The za’atar and sumac provide a unique, herby flavor, while the olives and artichokes add depth and texture. Whether you serve it on its own, with bread, or as a topping for grilled meats, this salad is sure to be a hit at your table!

Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight