Lemony Lima Bean Salad
This Lemony Lima Bean Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying make-ahead meal perfect for lunch or a light side. Creamy lima beans are tossed with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs in a bright, zesty lemon-herb dressing.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Lima Beans: If using frozen lima beans, cook according to package directions until tender, then drain well and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Ensure they are completely cooled before proceeding.
Chop Vegetables and Herbs: Finely dice the red onion and celery. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop the fresh dill and parsley.
Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. If using, stir in the drained capers.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lima beans, diced red onion, diced celery, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared lemon-herb dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture.
Toss and Chill: Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Rest for Flavors: This salad tastes even better after an hour or two, or overnight, as the flavors deepen.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving cold.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For Best Flavor: While good immediately, this salad truly shines after chilling for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld.
- 2Cooking Lima Beans: If starting with dried lima beans, soak them overnight, then boil until tender (about 45-60 minutes). For frozen, simply boil or steam until tender.
- 3Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is an excellent make-ahead option. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 4Texture Boost: For an extra crunch, consider adding toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or crumbled feta cheese for a more substantial meal.
Mediterranean TwistMediterranean Twist
Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for a richer Mediterranean profile.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or finely diced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Lima beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad provides a wealth of antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall immune function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for convenience. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and rinse well under cold water to remove excess sodium before adding them to the salad.
