Mediterranean Lima Bean & Egg Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Lima Bean & Egg Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring creamy lima beans, zesty olives, and hard-boiled eggs for added protein. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light main course, this salad is best when allowed to marinate overnight, enhancing the taste of each ingredient. With the earthy flavors of garlic, fresh parsley, and a tangy olive oil dressing, this dish embodies the essence of healthy Mediterranean cuisine. If you're not a fan of lima beans, feel free to substitute them with chickpeas for an equally delicious alternative.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Lima Beans
1 cup (Soaked overnight and cooked)
Hard-Boiled Eggs
2 (Peeled and chopped)
Stuffed Green Olives
1/2 cup (Sliced)
Garlic Clove
1 (Finely sliced)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Red Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoon (None)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Salt and Pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking 1 cup of dried lima beans in plenty of water overnight. Once soaked, drain the beans and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the drained lima beans and simmer them covered over medium heat for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the beans and soaking time. Once cooked, drain the beans and let them cool.
3
While the beans are cooling, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lima beans, 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, 1/2 cup of sliced stuffed green olives, 1 finely sliced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Gently toss all ingredients together to mix well.
5
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate at room temperature for at least one hour before serving, or refrigerate overnight for an even richer taste. The garlic flavor will develop as it sits.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Lima Bean & Egg Salad?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring creamy lima beans, zesty olives, and hard-boiled eggs with a tangy olive oil dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are dried lima beans, hard-boiled eggs, stuffed green olives, garlic, parsley, and a dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
How should I prepare the dried lima beans?
Soak the beans in water overnight, then drain and simmer them in boiling water until they are tender.
How long do the lima beans need to cook?
The beans should simmer for approximately 35 to 45 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Can I use a substitute if I don't like lima beans?
Yes, chickpeas are an excellent substitute for lima beans in this recipe.
Is this salad considered a healthy dish?
Yes, it is a healthy option that utilizes whole ingredients, healthy fats, and lean protein consistent with Mediterranean cuisine.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
It should marinate for at least one hour at room temperature or overnight for the best flavor.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a day in advance and letting it marinate overnight enhances the taste.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
How should the eggs be prepared for this salad?
The eggs should be hard-boiled, peeled, and then chopped.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for sliced stuffed green olives.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be finely sliced to integrate well into the salad.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
You can make a vegan version by simply omitting the hard-boiled eggs.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This is a cold salad, though it can be served at room temperature.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course.
What herb provides the fresh flavor in this recipe?
Fresh chopped parsley is used to provide an earthy, fresh flavor.
What should the texture of the lima beans be after cooking?
The beans should be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape, not mushy.
Does the garlic flavor change over time?
Yes, the garlic flavor develops and becomes richer as the salad sits.
How much paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Should the beans be cooled before mixing?
Yes, allow the cooked beans to cool before combining them with the other salad ingredients.
How do you mix the ingredients together?
Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure they are evenly coated with dressing without mashing the beans or eggs.
Can this salad be served as a tapa?
Yes, it is categorized as a tapas dish, making it perfect for small-plate dining.
How much dried lima beans should I start with?
Start with 1 cup of dried lima beans.
How many olives are included in the salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced stuffed green olives.
What seasonings are used in the salad?
Salt and pepper are added to taste along with paprika.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.