Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Zucchini and Lemon
This vibrant Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a perfect summer dish that bursts with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients. The creamy texture of cannellini beans pairs beautifully with tender, sautéed zucchini, and crisp green beans, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Fresh basil adds an aromatic touch, while the freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a savory notes. This nutritious salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option for lunch or as a side dish at your next picnic or barbecue.
6
Servings
75
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cannellini beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
zucchini
2 small (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal)
green beans
3/4 cup (trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (torn)
lemons
2 (juice and zest)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
coarse salt
to taste
ground pepper
to taste
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then use a slotted spoon to remove them. Blanch the sliced zucchini in the same pot for under 1 minute until just tender. Drain both vegetables and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cannellini beans, blanched green beans, and zucchini with the torn basil leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil.
3
Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, season with coarse salt and ground pepper to taste, and add the pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
4
Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
8.3g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Zucchini and Lemon?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring creamy cannellini beans, tender blanched zucchini, and crisp green beans tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans, which should be rinsed and drained.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this white bean salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains vegetables, beans, and Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the green beans for the salad?
The green beans should be trimmed, thinly sliced on the diagonal, and blanched for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
What is the preparation method for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal, then blanched for less than one minute.
Why should I rinse the vegetables under cold water after blanching?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process, ensuring the vegetables remain tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is made from extra virgin olive oil, the juice and zest of two lemons, coarse salt, and ground pepper.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an optional spicy kick.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What fresh herbs are included?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
The salad should sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
It can be served either at room temperature or chilled.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 3.3 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this salad?
There are 8.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2 grams of dietary fiber.
Is lemon zest used in this recipe?
Yes, both the juice and the zest of two lemons are utilized for maximum flavor.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies using extra virgin olive oil.
Can this salad be served at a picnic?
Yes, it is a healthy and durable option for picnics or barbecues.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including basic seasonings.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-calorie, and nutritious vegetable-based dish.
How should I slice the zucchini and green beans?
Both should be thinly sliced on the diagonal to create a consistent texture.
What seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with coarse salt and ground pepper to taste.
Can I substitute the cannellini beans?
While cannellini are preferred for their creamy texture, other white beans like Great Northern beans can be used.
Is this a good summer dish?
Yes, it is described as a perfect summer dish because it uses fresh seasonal produce like zucchini and basil.
How do you prepare the basil?
The basil leaves should be torn rather than finely chopped to preserve their flavor and appearance.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data shows no added sugar for this recipe.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.