Fresh Borlotti Bean Salad
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Energy Kcal 156
- Carbohydrates g 15.5
- of which sugars g 3.4
- Protein g 5.3
- Fats g 8.1
- of which saturated fat g 1.21
- Fiber g 8.4
- Sodium mg 299
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 60 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Borlotti bean salad is a classic summer dish from Italy that just hits differently when the weather heats up. People usually see borlotti beans in hearty soups during winter, but this fresh and vivid version lets those beans really shine in a light, chilled way. And look, what makes this borlotti bean salad stand out is the way the tender beans mix with sweet cherry tomatoes and a touch of mild shallot. And it feels both refreshing and packed with flavor. Folks in Italy love pulling things straight from the garden and letting them do their thing with just a drizzle of good olive oil—and maybe a sprinkle of herbs. You get a real taste of those rustic, honest flavors. Works great for a quick lunch or as a side at dinner. The borlotti bean salad recipe keeps things pretty simple, but it’s the little details—like using the freshest ingredients—that make each bite feel special.
In Italian kitchens, there are plenty of ways people switch it up. Sometimes you’ll find diced celery or a bit of crunchy cucumber tossed in, while others stick to just tomatoes and beans for that clean, no-fuss feel. This Italian bean salad fills you up without weighing you down, since borlotti beans are naturally rich in fiber and protein. Really, it’s a favorite among folks wanting something both light and energizing during the hotter months. Some even use it as a base for bigger meals—think summer versions of pasta e fagioli, just with more garden stuff and less heaviness. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or with hunks of crusty bread—seriously good. With its roots in home cooking and a real appreciation for what’s in season, a good borlotti bean salad brings that easy Italian vibe to your table any day of the week. Whether you’re having a casual dinner or a fancy get-together, this salad is sure to impress with its simple, yet really, great flavors.
- INGREDIENTS
- Borlotti beans 2 ⅛ cups (500 g)
- Cherry tomatoes 1 cup (150 g)
- Basil 9 leaves
- Shallot 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 ¼ tbsp (30 g)
- Thyme 3 sprigs
How to prepare Fresh Borlotti Bean Salad
To make the fresh borlotti bean salad, start with the legumes: shell them and collect the beans in a bowl 1: you will get 270 g of cleaned beans. Place a large pot filled with water on the stove, and as soon as it reaches a boil, add the borlotti beans 2. Cook for about 35 minutes without a lid. Meanwhile, clean the shallots 3
and cut them into four parts 4. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half 5. In a baking tray, add the cherry tomatoes and shallot wedges 6.
Fragrance with fresh thyme leaves 7 and then season with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil 8. Mix to flavor and bake in the center of a preheated static oven for 20 minutes at 390°F. Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool at room temperature 9.
Meanwhile, the 35 minutes of bean cooking time will have passed, add salt 10 and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat, drain the beans 11 and transfer them to a bowl, also add the cherry tomatoes and shallots cooked in the oven 12. Adjust salt, pepper
and season with 2 teaspoons of olive oil 13. Mix to flavor and serve the fresh borlotti bean salad on plates 14 with fresh basil leaves 15.