Simple Lima Bean Salad
A bright, refreshing salad featuring tender lima beans tossed with crisp celery, sweet bell pepper, and fresh herbs in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this no-fuss salad comes together in under 15 minutes and tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~3 min
Blanch the lima beans.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the thawed lima beans and cook until just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water.
- mix · ~2 min
Make the dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.2.Add Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.3.Whisk vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched lima beans, diced celery, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- rest · ~10 min
Rest the salad before serving.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
TIPResting helps the lima beans soak up the tangy lemon dressing. If you have time, let it sit for 30 minutes.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Blanch the thawed lima beans for exactly 2-3 minutes to keep them tender but not mushy.
- 2Rinse the beans under cold water immediately after blanching to lock in their bright color and texture.
- 3Dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion uniformly to ensure every bite has a balanced crunch.
- 4For the best flavor, let the finished salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 5If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- 6Pat the thawed lima beans dry with a paper towel before adding the dressing so it clings better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-swap
Replace parsley with fresh dill, basil, or chives for a different aromatic profile—dill pairs especially well with the lemon and onion.
add proteinAdd-protein
Fold in 150g of canned drained chickpeas or 100g of crumbled feta cheese to turn this side dish into a more substantial lunch.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to keep the dressing light while still coating the salad.
extra crunchExtra-crunch
Add 1/4 cup of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds just before serving for a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft beans.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Lima beans are a good source of protein, making this salad a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans.
High in Dietary Fiber
Both lima beans and celery provide fiber that supports healthy digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Packed with Vitamin C
The red bell pepper and fresh lemon juice contribute a generous dose of vitamin C, important for immune health.
Low in Saturated Fat
Made with heart-healthy olive oil and no added dairy, this salad is naturally low in saturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must soak them overnight and then boil until tender (about 45-60 minutes) before using in the salad.







