Thursday, January 27, 2011

White Bean Salad

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I have always had an issue with making choices, what to study (I have a double major in English and History, along with minors in both math and philosophy), what to order in a restaurant (I can't ever choose, and end up with either the same thing I always order or something totally out of the ordinary which I end up not liking at all), which book to read (I'm never reading or listening to just one book, I'm always in the middle of at least 2, but more often 3); while this issue has lessened as I've grown older, the propensity still lurks.  Which would account, no doubt, for the fact that for our recent soup and salad potluck at work, I ended up making two salads and a soup because I just couldn't choose which one to make.  No one complained, though, and I hope none of you mind, either, as I plan to post each of them.  Today's focus is a white bean salad, which has always been a favorite of mine.  It's not a super quick salad, as the beans are dried and need to be cooked; additionally, the salad tastes best if it's allowed to sit overnight or at least a few hours; however, you are rewarded with an incredibly delicious, healthy, and filling salad.  It's perfect as a side to grilled fish or chicken, or just as a wonderful vegetarian entree.  When I make this only for my family, I tend to add more black olives than I've listed in the ingredients, as well as more green onions, but you can certainly tailor this to your personal tastes.

White Bean Salad Printable Recipe
1 lb dried navy beans
1 medium red onion, sliced
6 green onions, sliced (or more)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
2-3 tablespoons mint, finely chopped

Lemon Vinaigrette
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt & pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and whisk together until combined.

Prepare lemon vinaigrette and set aside.
Sort and rinse dried beans; place in a saucepan and cover with water, bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.  Drain, return to pan, cover with water, return to a boil, and cook until tender.
Drain beans, pour into a shallow bowl, sprinkle on parsley and mint, and pour on vinaigrette, toss gently and allow to cool to room temperature before adding olives as well red and green onions.
Serve immediately or chill overnight; allow salad to come to room temperature for best flavor.

Linked to Full-Plate Thursdays, Fat Camp Friday, Cooking Thursday, Recipe Swap ThursdayWhat's Cooking Wednesday, GCC Recipe Swap, Family Friendly Fridays, Buzz on By Thursdays, Thirsty Thursday, Twitter Hop Thursday, Keepin' Company Thursday, Thursday Friends Cafe Blog Hop

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14 comments:

  1. Hi Louanne,
    I am going to love this White Bean Salad, it looks so good. I can't wait to try it. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful dish with Full Plate Thursday. You have a great week end and please come back!

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  2. Don't feel like you are alone! I have problems making decisions, as well. There is nothing better than white bean salad. I've never made it from scratch though so I need to give this a shot. Thanks so much for the recipe! I bet that vinaigrette would be great in an orzo salad too.

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  3. Hey I am a new follower from Keepin' Company Thursdays from MeasuringFlower.com. God bless!

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  4. The white bean salad sounds delish! I just found your fabulous blog and signed up to follow you. Stop by and visit me sometime at www.stephaniesavorsthemoment.com. Looking forward to your next delicious post - thanks!

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  5. We make something similar to this salad in Greece. Next time I will try adding olives in mine. It is a perfect idea Louanne!

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  6. You're not the only one who has a hard time making decisions! But you did perfectly with the white bean salad. It looks and sounds delicious!

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  7. White bean salad is one of my favorites Louaane! I like your version with lemon vinaigrette - delicious!

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  8. This really does look good.

    -Brenda

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  9. You're right, alongside a piece of grilled fish this would make a delicoius and health meal! I love white bean in anything

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  10. Your salad looks really appetizing. This would go great with some grilled meat. I would go for more green onions too, as it is one of my favourites!

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  11. This looks like the perfect side to just about anything! Love your idea of upping the black olives and green onions...you're my kind of girl! :)

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  12. Congratulations Louanne, you are featured on Full Plate Thursday this week 2-3-11. Come by and pick up your Red Plate.
    Best Wishes,
    Miz Helen

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  13. Your bean salad looks wonderful. My husband especially likes white beans, so I think he'd enjoy this a lot!

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  14. Excellent bean salad! I eat meals like this often and this is a really great recipe, I'm printing it off and plan to make it soon :). Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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