Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Fava Bean and Ham Salad
Embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Fava Bean and Ham Salad. This refreshing dish marries tender fava beans with succulent ham, crisp red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. It's all tossed in a tangy homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette that will awaken your taste buds and transport you directly to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the sea.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1 cup, diced Ham
- 2 cups, shelled Fava beans
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shelled fava beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the blanched fava beans, diced ham, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: in a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Pour the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy a bite of Mediterranean sunshine!
Tips
- Fava beans, also known as broad beans, have been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for thousands of years and are celebrated for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits. If fresh fava beans are not available, you can substitute with canned or frozen fava beans. Adjust the cooking time as needed. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more veggies like cucumber or bell pepper.