If you’d told me as a kid that one day I’d be raving about a bean salad, I would’ve laughed—or more likely, grimaced. Beans and I had a rocky relationship growing up. My mum could tell you all about my irrational aversion to them. They just weren’t my thing.
But adulthood has a way of surprising you. As I started exploring healthier eating, I discovered that beans could be amazing when prepared right. This Butter Bean and Chorizo Salad is a testament to that discovery. It’s fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor, with the basil dressing tying everything together beautifully.
I chose butter beans for their creamy texture and subtle earthiness, which pairs perfectly with the smoky richness of chorizo. The cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness, while the microgreens add a touch of freshness. And the dressing? It’s a zesty basil-infused delight that makes this salad sing.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Swap the butter beans for whatever cooked beans you have on hand, or even add a handful of your favorite greens. This is a salad that’s as flexible as it is delicious.
Give it a try, and let me know if it changes your opinion on beans like it did mine!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup cooked black butter beans
1 cup cooked white butter beans
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup diced chorizo
A handful of microgreens
For the Basil Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp blended fresh basil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black butter beans, white butter beans, diced chorizo, cherry tomatoes, and microgreens. Set aside while you make the dressing.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and finely chopped basil to a small jar with a lid. Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Pour the basil dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Using a large spoon, toss everything gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with a few additional basil leaves or microgreens on top. Serve immediately and savor the vibrant flavors of this hearty dish.
This salad works wonderfully as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a crowd-pleaser at a potluck. It’s proof that beans, when done right, can be a star ingredient!
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