Butter Bean Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this butter bean salad is a true celebration of texture and flavour. With creamy beans, crisp fennel, juicy tomatoes, and a zingy lemon and herb vinaigrette, it’s a dish that feels both light and satisfying.

Butter Bean Salad with Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

Tossed in a tangy lemon and herb vinaigrette, this butter bean salad is fresh and full of crunch. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavours.

The salad uses creamy butter beans as its hearty base, combined with thinly sliced crunchy fennel. Juicy cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness, while the red onion adds a mild, savoury kick. A handful of peppery rocket gives the salad some extra flavour. For those who enjoy a bit of cheese and tang, you can also add some optional crumbled feta.

This salad is not only vibrant and full of flavour but also incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a side to grilled proteins, or roasted vegetables. You can serve it on its own as a satisfying lunch or light dinner, or include it in a buffet spread

🌱 MAKE IT VEGAN : To make this butter bean salad vegan, swap the feta for a plant-based version or omit it entirely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: This butter bean salad is perfect for those times when you need something fresh, light, and satisfying in a hurry. It comes together in just 10 minutes and requires minimal preparation.
• Crunchy & Refreshing: The combination of creamy butter beans, crisp fennel, juicy tomatoes, and peppery rocket makes every bite a delightful contrast of textures.
• Tangy & Herby Dressing: The zingy lemon and herb vinaigrette ties the salad together with a burst of flavour.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fibre and protein from the butter beans, plus vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh veggies, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

Other Butter Bean Recipes To Try

• Creamy Butter Beans With Leeks
• Sweet Potato, Spinach & Butter Bean Stew
• Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Tomatoes & Butter Bean Dip
• Purple Sprouting Broccoli with Butter Bean Mash

Watch How To Make This Butter Bean Salad

How To Make This Butter Bean Salad

Ingredients

To make this butter bean salad you will need:

• fennel
• cherry tomatoes
• red onion
• rocket (arugula US)
• can butter beans
• feta (optional)

FOR THE DRESSING

• Dijon mustard
• fresh lemon juice
• extra-virgin olive oil
• garlic 
• fresh parsley leaves
• thyme leaves
• salt
• sugar, honey, or maple syrup 
• black pepper

Step 1: Slice The Fennel

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the fennel into very thin slices.

Step 2: Cut The Vegetables

Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves, cut the red onion into thin slices.

Step 3: Build The Salad

Place the vegetables and rocket in a salad bowl with the butter beans.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, and salt. Season to taste with sugar and pepper.

Step 5: Serve The Butter Bean Salad

If using add the crumbled feta on top of the salad. Toss everything in the dressing and serve.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best eaten on the day. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

Leftover Storage

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a day. The fennel, onion, and rocket will soften other time, due to the acidity of the dressing.

I hope you enjoy this butter bean salad recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Other Things You Might Like

• Apple Butter
• Fennel and Apple Salad
• Fennel Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
• Fennel & Asparagus Soup [vegan]
• Roasted Red Cabbage Salad