Butter Bean and Chorizo Salad with Basil Dressing

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

1. Prepare the Salad: 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.

2. 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.

3. Dress the Salad: 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.

4. Serve and Enjoy: 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!