Mediterranean Chorizo and Cannellini Bean Salad
Bursting with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this Mediterranean Chorizo and Cannellini Bean Salad is a perfect dish for sunny days. The combination of spicy chorizo, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy cannellini beans creates a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, this salad is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to be served as a lunch, a light dinner, or even a scrumptious snack. Make sure to use high-quality chorizo and the ripest vine tomatoes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes
1 lb (halved)
Scallions
4 (sliced on the diagonal)
Cannellini beans
1 (14-ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Chorizo sausage
9 ounces (sliced)
Flat leaf parsley
1 bunch (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced scallions, and rinsed cannellini beans.
2
Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4
In a frying pan over medium heat, add the sliced chorizo (no extra oil is needed as the chorizo will render its own fat).
5
Cook the chorizo for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it is golden and crispy. Reserve the delicious rendered oil in the pan.
6
Once the chorizo is cooked, carefully transfer the tomato, bean, and scallion mixture to a large serving dish.
7
Top the salad generously with the hot chorizo slices.
8
Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley and scatter it over the salad for a fresh finish.
9
If desired, drizzle a small amount of the reserved chorizo oil on top for added flavor.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in this Mediterranean salad?
The main ingredients include cherry tomatoes, scallions, cannellini beans, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, chorizo sausage, and flat leaf parsley.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the mixing bowl.
Do I need to cook the cannellini beans?
No, you should use canned cannellini beans that have been rinsed and drained.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be sliced on the diagonal for this recipe.
Should I add oil to the pan when frying the chorizo?
No extra oil is needed because the chorizo will render its own fat as it cooks.
How long does it take to cook the chorizo?
The chorizo should be cooked for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
What type of vinegar is recommended for this salad?
Red wine vinegar is recommended to provide the necessary acidity and flavor.
What should I do with the oil left in the pan after frying the chorizo?
You should reserve the rendered oil and drizzle a small amount over the finished salad for added flavor.
What kind of parsley is best for this recipe?
Flat-leaf parsley is preferred; it should be finely chopped and scattered over the salad as a fresh finish.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is best served immediately while the chorizo is still hot, creating a contrast with the room-temperature bean and vegetable mixture.
Can I serve this dish as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a lunch, a light dinner, or even a snack.
How should I season the salad?
Season the tomato, bean, and scallion mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the texture of the cannellini beans in this dish?
Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture that harmonizes with the spicy, crispy chorizo and juicy tomatoes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients plus basic seasoning like salt and pepper.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are suggested, you can use the ripest vine tomatoes available for the best culinary experience.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for sunny days due to its vibrant and refreshing flavors.
How do I ensure the best flavor for the salad?
Using high-quality chorizo and extra virgin olive oil is key to an unforgettable flavor.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is to combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced scallions, and rinsed beans in a large mixing bowl.
Should the chorizo be sliced before or after cooking?
The chorizo should be sliced before cooking to ensure it becomes golden and crispy on both sides.
Is the chorizo oil necessary for the final dish?
It is optional but highly recommended to drizzle a bit of the reserved oil on top for extra depth of flavor.
Can this recipe be prepared quickly?
Yes, with only a few minutes of frying time and simple assembly, it is considered an easy recipe.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling over the salad mixture.
How do I incorporate the parsley?
Finely chop the parsley and scatter it over the top of the salad as the final step.
Is the salad healthy?
Yes, the recipe is described as being bursting with healthy ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
What size can of cannellini beans is used?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of cannellini beans.
How much chorizo is needed for the recipe?
You will need approximately 9 ounces of sliced chorizo sausage.
Should I toss the salad after adding the chorizo?
The instructions suggest topping the salad with the hot chorizo slices rather than tossing them in, to keep them crispy.
What is the preparation style for the scallions?
The scallions should be sliced on the diagonal.
Can I use this as a snack?
Yes, it is described as being scrumptious enough to serve as a snack.
How much red wine vinegar should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.