Mint & Feta Broad Bean Salad
A vibrant, fresh salad that sings with bright flavors. Tender broad beans are tossed with crumbled feta, fragrant mint, and a zippy lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish, ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cooking.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~3 min
Blanch the broad beans.
1.Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt.2.Drop in the shelled broad beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.3.Drain immediately and plunge into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop cooking.4.Pop the bright green inner bean from its pale skin if using older beans; very young beans can be left as is.TIPIf the beans are very young and small, skip peeling the skins; they'll be tender enough to eat whole. - prep
Prep the remaining ingredients.
While the beans are cooling, crumble the feta cheese into a large bowl. Very thinly slice the red onion and roughly tear the fresh mint leaves.
- mix
Make the lemon dressing.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- assemble
Toss the salad gently and serve.
Add the drained, cooled broad beans to the bowl with the feta, red onion, and mint. Drizzle over the dressing and fold everything together gently, being careful not to crush the beans. Transfer to a serving platter.
TIPToss just before serving to keep the mint bright and the feta from becoming mushy.
What to keep in mind.
8 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the brightest flavor, use fresh, young broad beans that don't require peeling.
- 2Always blanch and shock the beans to preserve their vibrant green color and tender texture.
- 3Dry the beans thoroughly after blanching to avoid diluting the dressing.
- 4Slice the red onion paper-thin and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.
- 5Add the mint and dressing just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.
- 6Let the dressed salad rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- 7For the creamiest texture, use a block of feta brined in water, not pre-crumbled.
- 8Crush a garlic clove into the dressing for an aromatic depth that complements the mint.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace feta with marinated tofu feta (crumbled firm tofu tossed in lemon juice, salt, and olive oil) or a flaky dairy-free feta alternative. The briny, tangy element stays intact for a fully plant-based salad.
herb swapHerb swap
Swap half the mint for fresh dill or basil to shift the profile toward Greek or summer-Italian notes. Dill pairs beautifully with feta and lemon, while basil adds a sweeter, more aromatic layer.
crunchy add inCrunchy add-in
Add ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving for a nutty crunch that contrasts the creamy beans and feta.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon of the bean blanching water to the dressing. This preserves moisture and emulsion with half the fat.
protein boostProtein boost
Top the salad with grilled shrimp or flaked, oil-packed tuna to turn it into a filling main-course lunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Broad beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting muscle repair and digestive health.
High in Folate
Broad beans provide a good amount of folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for cell growth and red blood cell formation.
Bone-Supporting Calcium
Feta cheese contributes calcium and phosphorus, key minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Digestive Aid from Mint
Fresh mint is traditionally used to soothe digestion and can help relieve bloating after a meal.
Frequently asked questions
Only if the beans are large and have a tough, pale outer skin. Very young, small beans can be eaten skin-on — they are tender and add a pleasant texture.
