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Bean Salad with Lemon and Herbs

This vibrant lemon and herb bean salad is a celebration of fresh, zingy flavours and satisfying textures. Using a combination of creamy cannellini beans, snap-fresh green beans, and a punchy herb dressing, it offers a sophisticated twist on a classic vegan salad. The addition of salty capers and a hint of Aleppo pepper provides a lovely depth of flavour that balances the citrus notes perfectly.

Ideal as a protein-rich lunch or a nutritious side dish for grilled mains, this versatile bean salad is both healthy and incredibly easy to assemble. It keeps well in the fridge, making it a brilliant option for meal prep or a summer picnic. Serve it alongside some crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious lemon and olive oil dressing.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Bean Salad with Lemon and Herbs

  • 475ml fresh cooked shell beans (such as cannellini or cranberry)

  • 1 400g can cannellini beans or chickpeas

  • 170g green beans (trimmed, cut into 1" pieces)

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves with tender stems

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 45ml chopped fresh chives

  • 2 tablespoons chopped capers

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper or 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • Salt

  • Pepper

How to make Bean Salad with Lemon and Herbs

Toss 475ml fresh cooked shell beans (such as cannellini or cranberry) or one 400g can cannellini beans or chickpeas, rinsed, 170g green beans (trimmed, cut into 1" pieces), 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves with tender stems, 1/4 cup olive oil, 45ml chopped fresh chives, 2 tablespoons chopped capers, 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper or 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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