Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Fava Bean and Zucchini Salad
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Fava Bean and Zucchini Salad. This refreshing dish is a harmonious blend of creamy fava beans, crisp zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh mint, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for warm summer days or as a delightful side for any meal, this salad not only tantalizes the palate but also pays homage to centuries of Mediterranean culinary traditions, where fava beans have been cherished for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Enjoy a colorful plate that celebrates the bounty of the season!
Ingredients
- 2 cups, shelled Fava beans
- 1 medium, sliced Zucchini
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1 small, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish) Fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shelled fava beans and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel off the outer skins of the beans, revealing the tender green beans inside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled fava beans, sliced zucchini, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh mint. Gently mix the ingredients to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Tips
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.
- You can substitute the fava beans with chickpeas for a different twist.
- Feel free to experiment with other summer vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers.