Lemony Lima Bean Salad
Bright, zesty lima beans tossed with fresh herbs and a punchy lemon dressing. This simple salad comes together in minutes and tastes even better after a short rest, making it perfect for summer picnics or a quick protein-packed lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak the lima beans overnight.
Place dried lima beans in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well before cooking.
TIPSoaking softens the beans and cuts cooking time significantly. - boil · ~10 min
Cook the lima beans until tender.
1.Add drained beans and 3 cups fresh water to a saucepan.2.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.3.Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 8-10 minutes until beans are tender but still hold their shape.4.Drain in a colander and let cool to room temperature.TIPDon't overcook — you want the beans creamy inside but intact, not mushy. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the lemon dressing.
1.In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.2.Whisk until emulsified and slightly thickened. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the salad together.
1.Add cooled lima beans, diced red onion, and chopped celery to the bowl with the dressing.2.Fold gently with a spoon until everything is coated evenly.3.Add chopped parsley and mint, then toss once more. - rest · ~10 min
Let the salad rest before serving.
Cover and let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the beans absorb the dressing. Serve as a light lunch or side dish.
TIPThis salad tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen as it sits.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1After cooking, spread the beans on a baking sheet to cool quickly and evenly before dressing.
- 2For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice.
- 3If making ahead, reserve half the herbs and add them just before serving for a fresher look.
- 4Rinse the cooked beans under cold water to stop carryover cooking and keep them firm.
- 5Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the beans to absorb the dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup of drained canned chickpeas for an extra protein boost, making this a more filling main-dish salad.
veganVegan
This salad is already vegan; simply ensure your olive oil is organic and your salt is non-iodized to maintain the clean flavor profile.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace mint with fresh dill or basil for a different aromatic profile — dill pairs beautifully with lemon and beans.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon of bean cooking water to the dressing for a lighter version with the same emulsified texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Lima beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of lima beans, celery, and red onion provides a good amount of fiber to aid digestion and promote gut health.
Vitamin C from Lemon & Parsley
Fresh lemon juice and parsley contribute natural vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron from the beans.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, soaking is essential for dried beans — it rehydrates them, reduces cooking time, and helps them cook evenly without bursting.







