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Close up of a vibrant Marinated Za'atar Bean Salad in a bowl.

Marinated za'atar bean salad recipe

A vibrant, nutrient-dense Mediterranean salad featuring hearty legumes, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-za'atar dressing. Naturally vegetarian, packed with fiber and protein, and perfect for easy meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Middle Eastern
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz Butter Beans (or Cannellini beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Green Olives Castelvetrano or similar, roughly chopped
  • ½ small Red Onion very thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 small Cucumber diced
  • ½ cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Fresh Mint finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1½ tbsp Za'atar Spice Blend
  • 1 small Garlic Clove finely grated or minced
  • ½ tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper

Method
 

  1. Whisk the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, za'atar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well-emulsified.
  2. Combine: Add the rinsed chickpeas, butter beans, sliced red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to the bowl.
  3. Toss with Herbs: Add the fresh parsley and mint. Toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are glossy and evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) to allow the beans to absorb the dressing.
  5. Serve: Give it one final toss. Taste and add more lemon or salt if needed. Top with crumbled feta or an extra sprinkle of za'atar if desired.

Notes

For the best results, use a high-quality, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil. If you are making this ahead of time, add the fresh herbs and feta cheese just before serving to maintain the brightest flavor and texture.