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Home » Recipes » Salads

Butter Beans Salad Recipe

Published: Jan 12, 2025 · Modified: Apr 14, 2025 by Timea · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Butter Beans Salad Recipe Served on Black Square Plate

Want a quick and tasty salad idea that's bursting with flavour? You'll LOVE this simple Butter Beans Salad! It features sweet sun-dried tomatoes, tangy red onions, and a light and refreshing dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish with meatballs or breaded chops. It's a healthy and versatile recipe – enjoy it as is, or add smoked sausage for a non-vegetarian twist! Keep reading for the full recipe!

Butter Beans Salad Recipe Served on Black Square Plate

In the past, I used to make this recipe most often when I was cooking white bean soup with smoked ribs. After the beans were cooked, I'd scoop out a few heaping tablespoons of the beans while they were still simmering with the smoked ribs and use them to make this salad. The beans were incredible, infused with the smoky flavour of the ribs.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make the Butter Beans Salad Recipe?
  • Variations
  • Serving the Beans Salad
  • How to Store It?
  • F.A.Q.
  • Related
  • Butter Beans Salad Recipe

Today, I'm simplifying things! We'll be using canned butter beans packed in water – they're perfect for this type of salad. And you'll see how quickly this comes together! It's a super easy recipe, ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Today, I'm making a Butter Beans Salad that's perfect for 3-4 people. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

  • Three can Butter beans: The star of the salad, providing protein and fibre. Use canned for convenience.
  • One Red onion: Adds a pungent bite and vibrant colour. Shallots can be a milder substitute.
  • Three Sun-dried tomatoes: Intense tomato flavour that complements the beans.
  • ½ bunch of Parsley: Fresh or frozen, it adds a touch of freshness and greenness.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance the flavours.
  • ½ teaspoon Vegetable mix for soups: A blend of dried vegetables and herbs for extra depth.
  • 2tbsp Sunflower oil: The base of the dressing. Extra virgin olive oil works too.
Three cannes of butter beans and one red onion on the chopping board

Be sure to use canned beans in water. Canned beans with tomatoes won't work as well for this recipe. You can also use other types of beans, such as cannellini beans or even kidney beans, which have a different colour and flavour.

In other recipes, like my Easy Homemade Refried Beans, I've used cannellini beans, and they were a fantastic addition. But for this salad, I've chosen to go with butter beans for their slightly firmer texture and delicate flavor.

To make the salad even more delicious, I'm adding some sun-dried tomatoes. It's not tomato season right now, and these add a burst of sweet and tangy flavour.

How to Make the Butter Beans Salad Recipe?

Preparing the Ingredients

You'll see how simple this is! Anyone can make this salad, even without any cooking experience. First, open the can of beans and pour the contents into a sieve to drain the liquid. Some people like to rinse the beans under running water. I did the same, then let them drain completely.

Drained Butter Beans in the Bowl

After the beans drained, I put them in a bowl to assemble the salad. Next, I'll clean and slice the red onion.

I like to slice it thinly so it's nicely distributed in the salad, but you can chop it if you prefer. You can also use shallots instead of red onions for a milder, sweeter flavour.

Sliced Red Onion on the Chopping Board

Mix All Ingredients

Sprinkle the sliced onion over the beans, separating the slices with your fingers to distribute them evenly.

Sliced Red Onion on the Drained Beans in the Bowl

Now I season the salad with half a teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. Also, I add two tablespoons of sunflower oil, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil.

Seasoned Beans and Onion in the Bowl

I mixed everything gently with a spoon, then added a tablespoon of chopped parsley. Because I didn't have any fresh parsley on hand, I used frozen parsley, but either works well in this recipe.

Chopped Parsley on the Seasoned Ingredients in the Bowl

Mix everything together, and if you find the salad too dry, you can add a little more oil. Finally, it's time to add the sun-dried tomatoes. I used three sun-dried tomatoes from the jar (feel free to add more) and roughly chopped them.

Chopped Sundried Tomatoes on the Chopping Board

I have to say, these sun-dried tomatoes are incredibly fragrant! They add a wonderful depth of flavour to any dish, and I highly recommend using them, especially when tomatoes aren't in season. Add them to the bowl with the other ingredients, along with half a teaspoon of the vegetable mix for soups.

Chopped Sundried Tomatoes Over Beans in the Bowl

Give the salad a final gentle mix, then let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Butter Beans Salad Recipe Ready to Serve in a Bowl

And there you have it! A simple and delicious Butter Beans Salad, ready to enjoy! Be sure to give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Variations

This Butter Beans Salad is a great base recipe, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking! Here are some variations you can try:

  • Different beans: Try cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even black beans for a different flavour and texture.
  • More veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, cucumber, celery, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and nutrients.
  • Fresh herbs: Experiment with different herbs like mint, basil, or oregano.
  • Other flavour boosters: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a clove of minced garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy, salty element.

Serving the Beans Salad

This Butter Beans Salad is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving it:

  • Alongside grilled meats: It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, like my easy pan-fried steak.
  • With sandwiches or wraps: Add a scoop of salad to your favourite sandwich or wrap for extra flavour and texture.
  • Part of a larger spread: Include it in a buffet or potluck alongside other salads and dishes.
  • With crusty bread: Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious dressing.
Butter Beans Salad Served in Bowl With a Bread Slice

How to Store It?

This Butter Beans Salad is actually even tastier the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld! Here's how to store it properly:

  • Container: Transfer the salad to an airtight container. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
  • Refrigeration: Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serving: When you're ready to serve the salad, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. You can enjoy it cold, or let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Important Notes:

  • Don't freeze: This salad doesn't freeze well, as the texture of the beans and other ingredients can become mushy upon thawing.
Butter Beans Salad Recipe Served on the Plate

F.A.Q.

Are Tinned Beans Ready to Eat?

Yes, tinned (or canned) beans are ready to eat straight from the can. They have already been cooked during the canning process. This means you can safely use them in salads, dips, or other dishes without any further cooking.

Should You Drain Canned Butter Beans?

In the case of your Butter Beans Salad: Yes, you should definitely drain the liquid from the canned butter beans. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery and will help the flavours of the dressing and other ingredients to shine.

Are Butter Beans Good or Bad For You?

Butter beans are definitely good for you! They're a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. And butter beans are incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them in salads, soups, stews, dips, and even mashed as a side dish.

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Related

Now that you've seen how easy it is to make this delicious Butter Beans Salad, why not try it yourself? If you're looking for more tasty salad inspiration, be sure to check out these other amazing recipes on our blog:

  • Hungarian Potato Salad Served in the Bowl
    Hungarian Potato Salad
  • Green Bean Salad With Garlic Cream Served in Bowl With Ground Pepper
    Green Bean Salad With Garlic Cream
  • Tuna Corn Salad Served in Bowl and With a Glass of Beer
    Tuna Corn Salad Recipe
  • Grilled Apricot Salad Recipe-Served on the Plate
    Grilled Apricot Salad Recipe
Butter Beans Salad Recipe Served on Black Plate

Butter Beans Salad Recipe

Timea
Want a quick and tasty salad idea? Try the butter beans salad recipe, a simple dish with red onions and sundried tomatoes, perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish with meatballs or breaded chops.
4.60 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Resting time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine International, Transylvanian
Servings 4 portions
Calories 283 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 bowl
  • 1 strainer

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 can butter beans in water
  • 1 pc red onion large size
  • 2 tablespoon sunflower oil or olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt kosher
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
  • ½ bunch parsley or 1 tablespoon frozen
  • 3 pcs sundried tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon vegetable mix from soup

Instructions
 

  • Open the can of beans and pour the contents into a sieve to drain the liquid. Rinse the beans under running water then let them drain completely.
  • Clean and slice the red onion. Sprinkle the slices over the beans, separating it with your fingers to distribute them evenly.
  • Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the sunflower oil, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil.
  • Mix everything gently with a spoon, then add the chopped parsley.
  • Mix everything together, and if you find the salad too dry, you can add a little more oil.
  • Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the vegetable mix for soups.
  • Give the salad a final gentle mix, then let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious dressing.

Video

Notes

You have to be careful to use canned beans in water and not with tomatoes, which is not good for this recipe.
The butter beans can be substituted with another type such as cannellini beans or even of another colour kidney beans.
Instead of red onions, you can use shallots.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gramsCalories: 283kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 441mgPotassium: 1021mgFiber: 14gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 608IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 5mg
Keyword beans salad recipe, butter beans salad, butter beans salad recipe, green beans salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

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4.60 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Timea and Laci-Timea's Kitchen

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Hi, I am Timea and together with my husband Laci we decided to invite you to our virtual kitchen. You will see step by step how we cook and how tasty is the Transylvanian and Hungarian cuisine.

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