Bean Salad with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful dish with our Bean Salad with Tahini Sauce recipe, a refreshing salad that combines tender beans with a creamy, nutty tahini dressing. This nutritious recipe is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy snack, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

The Bean Salad with Tahini Sauce recipe is easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and good for you. The tahini sauce adds a rich, creamy element that complements the fresh vegetables and beans perfectly, creating a harmonious and tasty salad.

Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats or as a standalone meal for a nourishing experience.

Ingredients:

For the Bean Salad:

2 cups cooked or canned white beans (e.g., cannellini, navy, or borlotti)
1 cucumber, diced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tahini Sauce:

3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
A pinch of cumin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bean Salad:

If using canned beans, rinse and drain them well. If using dried beans, cook them according to package instructions and allow them to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beans, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, tomato, parsley, and mint (if using).
Add the black olives, if desired, for extra flavor.
Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice).
Toss everything together gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Make the Tahini Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.
Whisk everything together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin if you'd like a bit of extra flavor.

3. Assemble the Salad:

Transfer the bean salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
Drizzle the tahini sauce over the top.
Optionally, garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or mint for extra color and flavor.

Tips:

This salad is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables such as roasted red peppers or carrots for additional texture and flavor.
For a more pronounced flavor, you can marinate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
If you prefer a thicker tahini sauce, you can reduce the amount of water or add a little more tahini.

This Bean Salad with Tahini Sauce is refreshing, creamy, and full of bright, vibrant flavors—a perfect dish for a light lunch, side dish, or even a mezze platter! Enjoy!