A Cozy Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and the evenings grow crisp, I find myself craving dishes that are not just satisfying, but also bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the table. One dish that has a special place in my heart is Piyaz, a Turkish white bean salad that combines the earthiness of hearty beans with the fresh zing of tomatoes and a delightful tangy dressing. This cozy salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish for your favorite autumn gathering. The sumac adds an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace, and the creamy texture of the butter beans just melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a simple yet delicious potluck dish, this Piyaz is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet delicious.
- No-Cook Delight: With minimal cooking required, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh ingredients without heating up the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of sumac, fresh lemon juice, and Aleppo chili flakes adds layers of flavor that are sure to impress.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead Magic: It’s a salad that actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 can butter beans, drained (15 oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (pul biber)
How to Make Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)
- In a large bowl, add the sliced onions, sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon of the sea salt. Use your hands to gently rub the sumac and salt into the onions for 30-60 seconds until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the diced tomatoes, drained butter beans, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the onions. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Drizzle the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil over the salad. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss again until everything is well incorporated and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Taste and season with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
- Optional: For even better flavor, cover the bowl and set aside for about 20-30 minutes to marinate before serving. This step allows the onions to absorb all those zesty flavors.
- Serve your delicious Piyaz right away, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, toss in some diced avocado just before serving. The buttery texture pairs beautifully with the beans.
- Add Roasted Peppers: Incorporate roasted red or yellow peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor that enhances the salad.
- Herb Medley: Swap in fresh mint or dill for a refreshing herb twist that brightens the overall taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts right before serving to add a delightful crunch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This salad is a perfect make-ahead dish! Prep it a day or two in advance and let it sit in the fridge to let those flavors develop.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have butter beans? Feel free to use chickpeas or even black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Slicing Tricks: For evenly sliced onions, use a sharp knife and cut the onion in half from root to tip before slicing. This method ensures uniform thickness.
- Storage Suggestions: Ensure you store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Consume within three days for the best flavor and texture.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after a day in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to mix in your favorite beans, fresh herbs, or other veggies you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Enjoy your Piyaz within three days for the best taste and texture!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and freshness that warms the soul, easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for gatherings. It embodies the essence of comfort food that brings people together around the table. So, why not save this delightful recipe to your Pinterest boards? It’s a cozy treat you’ll want to revisit again and again!
A Cozy Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Piyaz is a Turkish white bean salad that combines hearty butter beans with fresh tomatoes and a tangy dressing, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 can butter beans, drained (15 oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (pul biber)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the sliced onions, sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon of the sea salt. Use your hands to gently rub the sumac and salt into the onions for 30-60 seconds until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the diced tomatoes, drained butter beans, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the onions. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- Drizzle the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil over the salad. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss again until everything is well incorporated and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Taste and season with more salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
- Optional: For even better flavor, cover the bowl and set aside for about 20-30 minutes to marinate before serving.
- Serve your delicious Piyaz right away, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
This salad gets better as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
