Orange & Tahini Piyaz (White Bean Salad)

Discover the refreshing and vibrant flavors of our Orange & Tahini Piyaz, a delightful twist on the traditional Turkish white bean salad. This dish combines the creamy texture of Great Northern beans with the zesty brightness of citrus and the nutty richness of tahini. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will awaken your taste buds and add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a unique addition to your next potluck, this Orange & Tahini Piyaz is sure to impress. Easy to make and bursting with fresh ingredients, it’s a healthful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: ready in just 20 minutes
• No cooking required, perfect for hot summer days
• Healthy and nutritious, packed with protein and fiber
• Versatile: works as a side dish or light main course
• Unique flavor profile: combines traditional piyaz with a citrusy twist

What is Piyaz?

Piyaz is a traditional Turkish salad made primarily with white beans, onions, and a tangy dressing. It’s often served as a side dish or meze (appetizer) in Turkish cuisine. This version adds a unique twist with the addition of orange and tahini, creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile while maintaining the essence of the classic dish.

Ingredients

• Great Northern Beans: The base of our salad, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Onions: Both white and red onions add crunch and a sharp flavor contrast.
• Orange and lemon: Both the zest and juice are used, adding bright, citrusy notes.
• Tomato: Brings a fresh, juicy element to the salad.
• Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dressing.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing and adds a fruity note.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal flavor and vibrant color.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

• Cannellini beans can replace Great Northern beans if preferred.
• Lime can be used instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
• Mint leaves can be added for extra freshness.
• Feta cheese crumbles make a delicious addition for a more Greek-inspired dish.

Instructions

• Combine beans, onions, and tomato in a bowl

• Mix citrus zest and juice with tahini and olive oil for dressing

• Toss beans with dressing

• Garnish with parsley and serve

Recipe Tips

• Rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium
• Let the salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
• Adjust the amount of tahini to your liking; start with less and add more if desired
• Use a microplane for zesting citrus to avoid bitter white pith
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as beans can absorb a lot of flavor

Serving Suggestions

This Orange & Tahini Piyaz is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats like Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken or Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with Falafel Wraps or Grilled Halloumi Skewers.

Storage & Reheating

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld together.

Before serving leftover salad, let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir. You may want to add a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried beans. Soak them overnight and cook until tender before using in the salad.

How can I make this salad more substantial for a main course? You can add grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs to make it a more filling main dish.

Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.

What if I don’t have tahini? You can omit the tahini or replace it with Greek yogurt for a different but still creamy texture.

Yield: 2 portions

Orange & Tahini Piyaz (White Bean Salad)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Piyaz is a delicious white bean salad that pairs well with with meats such as steak and even meatballs!. Traditionally it is made with onion, lemon and vinegar. This version changes up the flavor slightly adding fresh orange juice to sweeten the citrusy lemon.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz can Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 T. tahini
• 6 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 c. parsley, chopped
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine beans, onions, and tomato in a bowl
2. Mix citrus zest and juice with tahini and olive oil for dressing
3. Toss beans with dressing
4. Garnish with parsley and serve

Notes

Rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium

Let the salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Adjust the amount of tahini to your liking; start with less and add more if desired

Use a microplane for zesting citrus to avoid bitter white pith

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as beans can absorb a lot of flavor

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 740Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 41gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 991mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 18gSugar: 5gProtein: 22g