Zesty Marinated Bean Salad with Ricotta

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €12.72 · €2.12/serving

• 2/3 cup of premium extra-virgin olive oil (use high-quality oil for enhanced flavor)Est. price €2.20–€4.50
• 6 tablespoons of white wine vinegar (adjust amount based on personal taste preference)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• Kosher salt, to taste (add salt gradually and taste as you season)Est. price €0.01–€0.05
• 4 ounces of ricotta salata (salted dry ricotta), crumbled (use a fork to crumble the cheese for a light and airy texture)Est. price €3.50–€6.00
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (grind the pepper directly onto the dish for maximum flavor)Est. price €0.01–€0.05
• 4 cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini (white kidney) beans, navy beans, and/or black-eyed peas, thoroughly washed (for variety in texture and flavor, mix different types of beans)Est. price €5.00–€8.50
• 1 tablespoon of roughly chopped thyme, with additional for garnish (crush the thyme lightly before adding to release its aroma)Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• 4 slender stalks of celery, thinly sliced (for a delicate crunch)Est. price €1.00–€2.20

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, mix together the beans, celery, oil, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of thyme. Ensure everything is well combined and season generously with salt.

2. 2

   When ready to serve, place the cooked beans into a wide serving dish. Sprinkle ricotta salata, freshly ground pepper, and additional thyme over the top of the beans.

3. 3

   Prepare the bean salad without using celery and ricotta salata. This dish can be made up to 3 days in advance. Ensure to cover it properly and store it in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Bean salads are popular in Mediterranean cuisine, and the combination of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs reflects the influence of Italian and Greek culinary traditions. Ricotta salata adds a creamy texture and a touch of saltiness to the dish.

• Seasonal note

  This bean salad is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, but the freshness of thyme and celery make it ideal for spring and summer when these ingredients are in season.

• Health note

  This salad is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. It is relatively high in calories and fat due to the olive oil and ricotta, so portion control is important for those watching their calorie intake.