Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this za’atar bean salad truly special is its delightful mix of ingredients. The combination of creamy artichokes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs tossed in a zesty marinade makes every bite a celebration. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: This recipe takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for when you’re short on time.
• Family-friendly appeal: With its fresh flavors and fun textures, everyone will love digging into this salad!
• Make-ahead convenience: It tastes even better after marinating for a few hours, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
• Deliciously versatile: You can serve it as a side dish or as a main course topped with your favorite protein.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with beans and fresh herbs, this salad is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the simple and wholesome ingredients that make up this delicious Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad. You might already have some of these in your pantry!

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 additions or substitutions to suit your taste.

• Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
• Switch up the beans: Use black beans or kidney beans instead of chickpeas and butter beans for new flavors.
• Boost the protein: Add diced grilled chicken or chickpea pasta to make it heartier.
• Try different herbs: Swap mint and parsley with cilantro or basil for a fresh twist.

How to Make Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Start by thinly slicing the onion and adding it to a large bowl. Toss it together with kosher salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Setting it aside allows the salt to mellow out the onion’s sharpness, making it sweeter when mixed into the salad. If you prefer smaller bites, feel free to dice instead of slice!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, drain and rinse your chickpeas and butter beans. Roughly chop those tangy green olives while finely mincing your mint and parsley. Add all these goodies into the bowl with your onions—it’s starting to look colorful already!

Step 3: Make the Marinade

Now we’ll create that flavorful marinade! In a pan over medium heat, combine olive oil with garlic. Sauté until the garlic just begins to brown—this step is key because it releases all those lovely flavors from the garlic! Remove from heat before adding za’atar, sumac, and cumin; this blooms them beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Pour that fragrant marinade over your salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Give it a taste test—adjust for salt if needed! While it’s delicious right away, letting it marinate for about two hours really enhances those flavors.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this beautiful Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad over toasted sourdough bread topped with labneh or ricotta (I love using Kite Hill’s non-dairy ricotta). Alternatively, wrap it all up in pita bread for an easy lunch option! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to a week but do keep in mind that its crunchiness might start fading after day four.

Enjoy every bite of this refreshing dish!

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Creating a delicious Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you nail it every time!

• Mellow the onions: Allow the sliced onions to sit in the lemon juice and salt for at least 10 minutes. This softens their sharpness and adds a sweet note to your salad.
• Choose high-quality olives: Opting for a jar of Castelvetrano olives or other good-quality green olives will add a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Let it marinate: While you can enjoy this salad immediately, allowing it to sit for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a tastier dish.
• Adjust seasoning before serving: Always taste before serving! A little extra salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon can really brighten the flavors right before you dig in.
• Customize with seasonal veggies: Feel free to add in seasonal vegetables like diced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition; they complement the beans wonderfully!

How to Serve Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad

Presenting your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make your dish shine at any gathering or meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh herb sprigs: Top with additional sprigs of mint or parsley for vibrant color and freshness.
• Crumbled feta or dairy-free alternative: Sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese (or its non-dairy alternative) for a creamy contrast that enhances the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Toasted sourdough: Serve slices of toasted sourdough bread alongside the salad, perfect for scooping up every last bite.
• Mediterranean quinoa: A light and fluffy quinoa dish mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing complements the bean salad beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant provide a warm side that contrasts nicely with the cool salad.
• Hummus platter: Pair with an assortment of hummus flavors (like roasted red pepper or garlic) served with pita chips or fresh veggies for dipping—this makes for a delightful spread!

With these suggestions, your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy sharing this vibrant dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep! Its vibrant flavors deepen over time, making it a delicious option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for about one week; however, expect a slight loss of crunch after day four.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the beans and vegetables may become mushy once thawed.
• Instead, enjoy it fresh and make smaller batches if needed.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
• If you prefer a warm dish, consider serving it atop toasted bread or in a pita, which can be warmed separately.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up while preparing your Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad.

Can I use different beans for the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute chickpeas and butter beans with other canned beans like black beans or kidney beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed well before adding them to the salad.

How long does the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad last in the fridge?

The salad will keep well in the refrigerator for about one week. However, it tastes best within the first few days as it retains its crunchiness and freshness!

What can I serve with the Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad?

This flavorful salad pairs wonderfully with toasted sourdough bread topped with labneh or non-dairy ricotta. It also makes a fantastic filling in pita wraps with additional greens!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Marinated Za’atar Bean Salad as much as I have! It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes every bite special. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations. Happy cooking!