| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 8.7g | 2.1g | 26.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4.1g | 6.9g | 7.5g | 0.25g |
Yes, a Lima Bean and Tomato Salad! This truly is a personal favorite of mine. The combination of the bright, juicy cherry tomatoes paired with the succulence and hearty texture of fresh lima beans is invigorating and outright delicious. Not to mention, the choice of red onion and parsley in this recipe bring some much needed contrast, making each bite a culinary experience. This salad is a much-loved representative of my fondness for dishes that are both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
An Ode to My Roots
My Caribbean background echoes through each component of this dish, from the vibrant, tropical lima beans to the refreshing hint of citrus from the lemon juice. Likewise, my Spanish heritage peeks through the inclusion of quality olive oil, often a staple in many Spanish dishes. The salad does not shy away from the Spanish tapas culture I am so fond of, much like patatas bravas or a fresh salpicon de marisco, it’s an excellent choice for both a communal sharer or a personal delight.
The Gourmet Guru in Health
But this Lima Bean and Tomato Salad brings more to the table than simply indulgent flavors. Each ingredient has been handpicked to contribute to a healthy lifestyle, a philosophy cultivated and nurtured from my roots and passions. Lima beans, with their abundance of dietary fiber, have been linked to better digestion, increased cardiovascular health, and steady blood sugar levels (Source). Cherry tomatoes contribute a hefty offering of vitamin C to the mix, while the olive oil plays an essential role in heart health thanks to its monosaturated fats (Source).
It’s also worth noting the optional addition of feta cheese. Aside from a variation in flavor and texture, it can provide a source of calcium and protein. When enjoyed in moderation – as is customary with any cheese – it’s a pleasant inclusion and one I enjoy when feeling a little extra indulgent.
A Perfect Pairing
As delectable standalone as it is, this salad is also an excellent accompaniment. Those who follow similar culinary tastes, or perhaps are simply experimenting for a bit of variety in their meals, might like to pair the Lima Bean and Tomato Salad with grilled white fish or shrimp. For those who wish to add a splash of Spanish cuisine to their meals, it also pairs wonderfully with a serving of classic paella or chorizo sausages. Its versatility ensures it holds a place in various meal plans, be it Mediterranean, vegetarian, or your average BBQ.
To me, this salad epitomizes my culinary journey and drive for health-conscious living. Every mouthful delivers a taste of my heritage, a performance as choreographed and refined as any dance sequence I teach. Please, enjoy it with my compliments.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of fresh lima beans
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your vegetables. You will need to shell your lima beans if they are not already shelled. For the cherry tomatoes, halve them and set them aside. Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and add the lima beans, the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped red onion. Mix the ingredients well.
Step Three
Now you can add in the chopped fresh parsley, along with the olive oil and lemon juice. Stir everything together so that the salad is properly mixed and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Four
After mixing, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more or less depending on your preference. If you want to add some additional texture and flavor to the salad, also add the optional crumbled feta cheese.
Step Five
Before serving your Lima Bean and Tomato Salad, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and give you the best tasting salad. Enjoy!
