Grandma's Bean Salad - Simple, healthy, and full of flavor

This grandma-style bean salad combines classic ingredients with fresh spice and modern lightness. Two types of beans - creamy white and crunchy green - meet sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, and an aromatic olive oil dressing. Ideal as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or as a filling everyday salad.

Ingredients for 4 servings

For the salad:

• 2 cans of white beans (approx. 400 g each, drained)

• 200 g green beans (e.g., broad beans or bush beans)

• 150 g cherry tomatoes

• 1 red onion

• 1/2 Bunch of flat-leaf parsley

For the dressing:

• 125 ml olive oil (cold-pressed, extra virgin)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar

• Optional: 1 small garlic clove (finely grated)

• Optional: a pinch of chili flakes or oriental spices (e.g., cumin)

Preparation

1. Prepare the green beans:
   Wash the green beans, trim the ends, and cut into approximately 3cm long pieces. Cook in boiling salted water for about 6-8 minutes until al dente, then immediately rinse in cold water to retain their color.

2. Drain the white beans:
   Place the canned beans in a sieve, rinse thoroughly, and drain well.

3. Prepare other ingredients:
   Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Cut the red onion into thin half rings. Finely chop the parsley.

4. Mix the dressing:
   Mix olive oil with salt, pepper, and optionally lemon juice or vinegar. If you prefer a more aromatic flavor, you can add garlic, chili flakes, or oriental spices.

5. Assemble the salad:
   In a large bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: green beans, white beans, tomatoes, onion, and parsley. Then pour over the dressing and mix well.

6. Let it marinate:
   Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, but ideally 1 hour. Season again before serving.

Tip: How to make your bean salad even better

• Roasted onions instead of raw ones add a mild, sweet depth.

• Lemon zest adds additional freshness.

• Roasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add crunch.

Why Grandma's Bean Salad is So Special

This bean salad is not only a classic, but also a prime example of balanced home cooking. The combination of fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and healthy fats makes it the ideal meal—light, nutritious, and full of flavor. It doesn't require any complicated ingredients: just the right touch and a little time to let it simmer.