Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is one of my absolute favorites. It’s bursting with flavor from the tangy lemon, aromatic za’atar, and a delightful mix of textures. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

I love how this salad can be a meal on its own or a delicious side at any get-together. The combination of chickpeas, butter beans, and olives creates a satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can have this tasty salad ready to go.
• Flavorful: The marinade brings out bold flavors that make every bite a delight.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after marinating for a couple of hours—perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or as a side at gatherings; it fits into many occasions.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with beans and fresh herbs, it’s nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad. You’ll love how easy they are to find and how fresh they taste!

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 wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch.
• Change Up the Beans: Substitute black beans or kidney beans if you prefer different flavors and textures.
• Mix in Some Grains: Add cooked quinoa or farro to make it heartier—a perfect option for lunch!
• Throw in Nuts: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

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 with kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Letting it sit for a bit mellows out the onion’s sharpness, making it sweeter and more pleasant in your salad.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the bowl along with roughly chopped olives and finely minced herbs. This mix will provide great texture and flavor throughout your salad.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a pan, heat olive oil with garlic over medium heat until just beginning to brown. Remove from heat immediately and stir in za’atar, sumac, and cumin. This step blooms the spices, enhancing their flavors before adding them to your salad.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Pour the warm marinade over your bean mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Though delicious right away, letting it marinate for about two hours brings out even more flavor!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

This salad is delightful served over toasted sourdough bread topped with labneh or non-dairy ricotta. It also works beautifully stuffed into pita wraps! Enjoy this refreshing dish within one week; however, note that its crunchiness will start to fade after day four.

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Creating the perfect Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your salad shines:

• Mellow the Onion: Letting the sliced onion sit with salt, lemon juice, and zest not only mellows its sharpness but also enhances its sweetness, making it more palatable and flavorful in the dish.

• Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh mint and parsley instead of dried herbs adds vibrant flavors and brightens up the salad. The freshness contributes to an overall uplifting taste that dried herbs can’t replicate.

• Bloom Your Spices: Sautéing garlic and then adding za’atar, sumac, and cumin allows these spices to release their essential oils. This step deepens the flavor profile of your marinade, making every bite more aromatic and delicious.

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While you can enjoy this salad immediately, allowing it to marinate for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) lets the flavors meld beautifully. This patience pays off with an incredibly tasty salad!

• Adjust for Saltiness: Beans and olives can vary in saltiness, so always taste your salad before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed to create a balanced dish that isn’t overly salty.

How to Serve Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

This colorful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also versatile in how you can serve it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Scallions: Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped scallions on top brings a crunchy texture and an extra layer of mild onion flavor.
• Crumbled Feta Alternative: For a creamy touch, sprinkle some crumbled non-dairy feta over the salad just before serving. It adds richness that complements the tartness of the marinade.

Side Dishes

• Pita Bread: Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up this zesty salad, making it an ideal accompaniment. You can warm them slightly for added comfort.
• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant makes a colorful side that pairs wonderfully with the bean salad’s flavors.
• Cucumber Tzatziki: A refreshing cucumber tzatziki made with non-dairy yogurt offers a cool contrast to the tangy beans while adding creaminess to your meal.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs serves as a hearty base that complements the beans beautifully while providing additional protein.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re ready to make your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad shine at any gathering or weeknight dinner! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, but for optimal crunch and vibrancy, enjoy it within the first 4 days.
• If you notice any excess liquid forming, simply drain it before serving.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the texture of the beans and vegetables.
• If you want to save ingredients separately, consider freezing the herbs or any leftover marinated components without combining them.

Reheating

• You can enjoy this salad cold straight from the fridge, which enhances its refreshing taste.
• If you prefer a warmed version, gently heat it in a pan over low heat until just warmed through; avoid overheating to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind as you prepare your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad!

Can I use different types of beans in my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite beans like black beans or kidney beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed like the chickpeas and butter beans.

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

For the best flavor experience, let it marinate for at least 2 hours. However, it’s safe to enjoy it fresh if you’re short on time!

What should I serve with my Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with toasted sourdough bread topped with labneh or ricotta. It’s also fantastic as a filling for pita wraps!

Is the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and allows you to have a nutritious option ready throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad as much as I do! It’s vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any occasion. Enjoy bringing this dish into your kitchen and sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!