Loaded with fresh herbs, vegetables, spring greens and white beans, this salad is fit for a picnic or barbecue side with its sweet and tangy honey-shallot dressing.
“Can you bring theeeee salad?”; emphasis on the “the”.
When I get this particular request from anyone in my family, I know exactly which pile of greens they are referring to.
…”You know, the one with all of the herbs…and stuff.”
Yes. I am on it.
I began making this salad a couple of years back when my garden was overflowing with branches of lemon thyme, crawling bundles of mint, and heaps of basil. I tossed the freshly chopped herbs into a bowl of lettuce, and added them to my go-to shallot salad dressing too. Those ingredients in tandem with a can of small white beans are the main components of this dish.
From there, you can really go anywhere you wish – but my favorite add-ins are slices of fresh cucumbers and fennel, chopped radishes, and bits of a good quality salami (Although omitting the latter and keeping it vegetarian-friendly is just as satisfying!). This salad is a complete meal in-and-of-itself; pair it with a loaf of crusty bread and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio and you are good to go.
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National Pinot Grigio Day: Herb and White Bean Greens Salad with Honey-Shallot Dressing
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 -8 servings
Description
Loaded with fresh herbs, vegetables, spring greens and white beans, this salad is fit for a picnic or barbecue side with its sweet and tangy honey-shallot dressing.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon pickled pepper juice (optional)
- 1 small shallot (diced)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Chopped Salad with Herbs and White Beans:
- Chopped fresh thyme
- Chopped fresh mint
- Chopped fresh basil
- 6-8 cups chopped lettuce (I like a mix of romaine and iceberg for this salad.)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup chopped salami
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel
- 4 radishes (chopped)
- 1 can Cannellini beans (or other small white beans, drained and rinsed)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the salad dressing: Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
- For the salad: Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl, and toss with the salad dressing to combine. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of white beans work best in this salad?
Small white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, are ideal for this salad as they complement the herbs and dressing well.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for the salad?
While fresh herbs like basil, mint, and lemon thyme provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch; just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How can I adjust the honey-shallot dressing if I prefer a tangier flavor?
To make the honey-shallot dressing tangier, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the honey.
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