Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and lemon oregano vinaigrette.
Save Pin Authentic Greek lima bean salad with creamy butter beans, ripe cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and oregano vinaigrette.
Eating well is all about sustainable, delicious routines, which makes this Greek Lima Bean Salad such an essential recipe. It elevates everyday lima beans or butter beans, rinsed and drained, greek feta cheese, coarsely crumbled and pitted kalamata olives, halved into an invigorating, balanced dish that fuels your day while tasting completely indulgent in just 20 min.
Rinse and drain canned lima beans (butter beans) thoroughly in a colander. *Optional Chef Step: Warm beans in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons water for 3 minutes to make them extra tender and soft.* Transfer to a large salad bowl.
In a small glass measuring cup, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried Greek oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, fine sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, and sliced red onion to the bowl with the lima beans. Pour Greek vinaigrette over top and toss gently.
Gently fold in coarsely crumbled Greek feta cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld!
1. Build Deep Flavor from the Fond: When browning ingredients, scrape up the caramelized golden bits (fond) from the pan bottom with a splash of liquid. That concentrated brown crust is where true savory umami lives. 2. Grate Cheese Fresh from the Block: Pre-shredded cheeses are treated with anti-caking starches that impede smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese dissolves seamlessly into velvety sauces without graininess. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Chef's Secret for Creamy Texture: Use canned butter beans (giant white lima beans). Their large, creamy texture pairs luxuriously with briny olives and tangy feta cheese.
Excellent for weekly meal prep! Portion into glass meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled or reheat in a microwave or toaster oven until warm throughout.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Yes! It holds up exceptionally well without wilting or losing flavor over 4β5 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I adjust the macronutrients for low-carb or keto? A: Yes, simply increase the leafy greens or healthy fat portion and scale down high-carb starches.
Tried this Greek Lima Bean Salad? Share your tips, substitutions, or question with fellow home cooks!
Have you made this Greek Lima Bean Salad? Share your experience, cooking tips, or tweaks below.