If you’ve ever wanted to try a salad that is bursting with bright, fresh flavors and offers a wholesome, satisfying bite, then you’re in for a treat with Piyaz: An Incredible Ultimate Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe. This dish is a vibrant combination of tender white beans, zesty red onions, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs all brought together by a luscious olive oil dressing. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist that feels both light and nourishing, perfect for any season or occasion. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe is such a beloved staple in Turkish cuisine and why I’m so excited to share it with you today.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, each one playing a crucial role to build that authentic, irresistible flavor. Every item you add enhances the salad’s texture, color, and taste, creating a perfect harmony that makes piyaz truly shine.
- 3 cups cooked white beans or 2 cans (15 ounce) white beans, drained and rinsed: The creamy, mild base of the salad that soaks up all the delicious dressing flavors.
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced: Adds a nice crunch and a hint of sharpness that balances the beans.
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Provides juicy freshness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: A classic herb that lends a clean, herbaceous note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional): Offers a subtle, aromatic twist that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The rich, fruity dressing base that brings everything together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds just the right tang to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Gives a bright citrus punch that freshens the whole salad.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Balances acidity and adds a gentle kick to the dressing.
- 1 small clove garlic, finely grated: Infuses a lovely depth of flavor and subtle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all those wonderful tastes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and spice for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon sumac (optional): This Middle Eastern spice gives a tangy lemony note that’s delightfully unique.
- 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced for garnish (optional): Adds visual appeal and creamy texture contrast.
- 8 to 10 pitted black olives for garnish (optional): Brings salty bursts and authentic touch to the plating.
How to Make Piyaz: An Incredible Ultimate Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans and Vegetables
Start by placing your white beans in a large bowl. If you’re using canned beans, make sure to rinse them well under cold water to remove any excess salt or canning liquid. Thinly slice your red onion; if it seems too sharp or overpowering, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it out. Drain completely before adding it to the bowl with the beans. Then add diced tomato, fresh parsley, and if you’re using it, dill. This layering of fresh ingredients sets the foundation for the salad’s vibrant texture and taste.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, finely grated garlic, salt, black pepper, and sumac if you decided to include it. The goal is to create a smooth, harmonious dressing that has a good balance of acidity, richness, and a hint of spice. This dressing is what transforms simple beans into a dynamic flavor experience.
Step 3: Combine and Toss Gently
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together, ensuring even coating but avoiding mashing the delicate beans. This step is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful but still has a satisfying textural contrast.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld
Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors meld beautifully, making the piyaz taste even more vibrant. For an extra layer of deliciousness, you can chill it for about an hour before serving, as the flavors deepen and harmonize wonderfully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a pretty serving platter and artfully arrange sliced hard boiled eggs and black olives over the top if you like. These traditional garnishes don’t just add color and texture but also elevate the presentation to the next level.
How to Serve Piyaz: An Incredible Ultimate Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes like hard boiled eggs and black olives give the salad a finished, festive look that’s both inviting and authentic. You can also sprinkle a little additional sumac or chopped parsley on top for a fresh, bright visual appeal. These simple touches make the dish pop on the table and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Piyaz is incredibly versatile as a side. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as lamb or chicken, roasted vegetables, or even alongside some warm, fluffy pita bread. This salad adds a refreshing balance to heavier main dishes while contributing nutritious fiber and protein to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take your presentation up a notch? Serve piyaz in individual bowls or hollowed-out tomatoes for an eye-catching effect. You can also layer it with a base of baby greens or arugula to introduce a peppery crunch. With this recipe, the possibilities for stunning yet simple presentation are endless and always sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover piyaz keeps well and actually tastes better after the flavors have had extra time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and consider adding a touch more lemon juice or olive oil if it seems to have absorbed the dressing.
Freezing
Because piyaz contains fresh vegetables and olive oil dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the beans and tomatoes can become mushy upon thawing, diminishing the delightful bite of this salad.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and is not intended to be reheated. Simply take it out of the fridge a little before serving to let it warm up slightly and enjoy all those fresh flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in this piyaz recipe?
While white beans are traditional and ideal for this dish, you can experiment with cannellini or butter beans if you prefer. Just bear in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
The base recipe is vegan except for the optional hard boiled egg garnish. Simply omit the eggs for a fully vegan Turkish white bean salad.
What does sumac do in this recipe?
Sumac adds a lovely tangy and slightly lemony flavor that enhances the acidity of the dressing, giving the salad a more complex and authentic taste.
Can I prepare the beans myself?
Absolutely! Soaking dried white beans overnight and boiling them until tender is a great way to use fresh ingredients and control salt levels, though canned beans work wonderfully for convenience.
Is there a traditional variation I should know about?
Yes! The Antalya style piyaz includes tahini in the dressing, which makes it creamier and adds a delicious nutty flavor. It’s a lovely twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Final Thoughts
When you make Piyaz: An Incredible Ultimate Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe, you’re not just preparing a dish but embracing a delicious piece of Turkish culinary tradition. Its bright, fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a perfect addition to any table, whether for a casual family lunch or a festive gathering. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite salad that’s as comforting as it is exciting!
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Piyaz: An Incredible Ultimate Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Piyaz is a traditional Turkish white bean salad that combines tender white beans with fresh vegetables and a tangy, aromatic dressing. This nutritious and flavorful salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish, featuring ingredients like red onion, tomato, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Garnished with hard boiled eggs and black olives for added richness, piyaz embodies authentic Mediterranean flavors and is quick to prepare without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white beans or 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sumac (optional)
Garnish
- 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
- 8 to 10 pitted black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans and Vegetables: Place the cooked white beans in a large bowl. If the red onion is very sharp, soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, then drain thoroughly. Add the drained onion, diced tomato, chopped parsley, and chopped dill (if using) to the beans.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, finely grated garlic, salt, black pepper, and sumac (if using) until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing without mashing the beans.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, so the flavors can blend and develop fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced hard boiled eggs and black olives if desired. Serve the piyaz at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a traditional Antalya-style piyaz, add 1 tablespoon of tahini to the dressing for a creamier texture and deeper flavor.
- This salad tastes even better if chilled for an hour before serving, allowing the flavors more time to meld.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Be gentle when tossing the salad to avoid breaking the beans and keep the texture intact.
