With summer just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my favourite salad recipes – it’s perfect for posh picnics, grazing tables, or simply as a packed lunch to take to work.
Our butter bean and courgette salad makes the most of beautiful seasonal ingredients at this time of year, and the garlicky dressing is SO versatile! Read on for the full list of ingredients and detailed steps.
If you’re keen to learn more about produce that is in season at different times of the year, why not explore one of our handy guides – ‘Eat the Seasons: Your Month-By-Month Food Guide’. Alternatively, for another way to use up an abundance of courgettes, read our Grilled Courgette & Feta Salad Recipe.
Method
Follow these steps to make our Butter Bean & Courgette Salad Recipe
Start by draining and rinsing your butter beans and setting aside. Finely dice your red onion, and slice your baby tomatoes lengthways. You could always quarter these if your tomatoes are slightly larger.
The most important part of this salad are the pretty courgette ribbons. To make these long ribbons, peel your courgette from top to bottom repeatedly with your vegetable peeler. Work your way around the courgette until you reach the centre.
Crush your garlic cloves and juice your lemon, before adding these to a jug. Add in the rest of the ingredients and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these with a fork, taste, and adjust with additional ingredients if needed. The dressing should remain running and pale in colour.
Finally, add all of your chopped ingredients, your butter beans, and courgette ribbons to a large bowl. Drizzle over your dressing (you can use all or just some of it depending on your personal preference) and mix! The courgette ribbons are delicate, so toss your salad gently using tongs.
If you’re presenting your salad at a fancier affair, serve on a pretty white platter and take the time to create some courgette swirls with a fork to go on top of your salad.
To finish, drizzle over some high quality olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
What To Serve With Your Courgette Salad
This salad is filly enough to enjoy as it is, or you can serve as part of a larger meal. Our favourite dishes to serve this courgette alongside includes:
- Lemony roasted chicken
- Creamy orzo or other pasta dishes
- Pan-seared salmon
- Quiche
- Grilled burgers & sausages (hello summer BBQs!)
This salad pairs nicely with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc, a California Chardonnay, or a rich Pinot Noir.
To learn more about wine pairings with cheese, charcuterie, and other nibbles, read one of our most recent blogs – ‘What is a Good Wine & Cheese Pairing?’
Seasonal Salad Platters From Savery Grazing
There it is – our delicious butter bean and courgette salad recipe! If you’re looking for more exciting recipes, explore the ‘seasonal’ page on our blog. We also post food and nibble ideas regularly on Instagram or Facebook! For more delicious salad recipes, check out our recent blog: 23 Winter Salad Ideas To Have On Repeat.
If you’re in the Sheffield & Peak District, why not choose Savery Grazing as your go-to caterer for your next event? We offer a range of grazing platters, including cheese, charcuterie, crudites, and so much more – and they really are perfect for any occasion…
Related Questions
Can You Eat Raw Courgette in a Salad?
Yes, you can – skin and all! Not only are courgettes delicious cooked and raw, but they are also packed with nutrients. Courgettes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Are Cannellini Beans the Same as Butter Beans?
Not quite. Cannellini beans are another name for white kidney beans, however they work as a great substitutions if you don’t have butter beans for a recipe. When compared, cannellini beans are slightly larger in size, with a milder flavour profile. Butter beans have a pinkish/nude colour and cannellini beans are white.
Are Butter Beans Good For You?
Yes absolutely! Butter beans are legumes, which are known to benefit your gut health. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, whilst remaining relatively low calorie. For those of you who are looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, butter beans should be a staple protein source – helping to keep you fuller for longer.
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