Peach Burrata Salad

This peach burrata salad is one of the simplest, best ways to use this seasonal fruit! Juicy ripe peaches, creamy…

This peach burrata salad is one of the simplest, best ways to use this seasonal fruit! Juicy ripe peaches, creamy rich cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar make each bite a masterpiece. This one is a must-make summer recipe!

Peach Burrata Salad

Why we love this recipe

Peach season is glorious, and what better way to enjoy it than a peach burrata salad? Eating sweet, ripe juicy peaches with creamy, rich burrata cheese is one of life’s great pleasures. Top it with fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic, and each bite will make you melt.

As two cookbook authors, this is at the top of our summer must-makes. It is absolutely heavenly and so simple to put together—it’s not even really a recipe, more of a combination of stellar ingredients. The candied pepitas are a fun addition inspired by a salad we had at a restaurant; you can substitute purchased roasted salted pepitas or simply omit. Either way, anyone who tastes a bite of this one will rave.

Ingredient notes for peach burrata salad

Peach burrata salad is all about celebrating ripe, beautiful peaches: the perfect summer salad recipe idea. Here are a few notes about the ingredients in this “recipe” (which is really more of an idea):

  • Ripe peaches: Use only ripe, juicy in-season peaches. You may want to taste a slice before making (we’ve had some mealy peaches that feel ripe but don’t taste sweet).
  • Burrata cheese: Burrata is an Italian fresh mozzarella cheese filled with cream and cheese shreds. When you cut into the ball, the creamy cheese comes spilling out: perfect for topping salads, pasta, and pizza.
  • Fresh basil: Using fresh basil makes this similar to a peach caprese salad, but with burrata cheese. You can also top with other herbs like fresh thyme, chives, or tarragon.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and flavor.
  • Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction: A little drizzle of balsamic vinegar works, but can taste strong so don’t add too much. We like purchased balsamic reduction since it’s thicker and sweeter, or you can make your own balsamic reduction.
  • Flaky salt: We like topping with flaky salt because it makes pops of salty flavor. Our favorite is smoked flaky salt, which infuses another flavor component.
  • Pepitas: These are optional, but add a nice crunchy element. Roasted salted pepitas are easy to find at the store. You can also make candied pepitas: see below! You could also try any type of chopped nut.
Peaches

Tips for ripening peaches

Peaches can be a touchy fruit, and you want the very best ripe peaches for this peach burrata salad. To check ripeness, give the peach a gentle squeeze. It should be slightly soft to the touch. If it feels firm, it will need a few days to ripen. Here’s how to ripen peaches:

  • Place the peaches in a paper bag.
  • Add a banana inside the bag. The banana emits ethylene gas, which helps the peaches ripen at the same time.
  • Gently close the top of the bag and wait 1 to 3 days, depending on the ripeness of the peaches. Check each day by gently squeezing the fruit to see if the flesh feels soft.

To make candied pepitas

We recently had candied pepitas in a salad a restaurant, and loved the pop of crunchy, salty sweet flavor. This peach burrata salad is great with them, though you can use any sort of crunchy topper or omit. If you’d like to try them, here’s what we did:

  • Place ½ cup raw pepitas in skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to pop and brown (you can also use roasted salted; skip this step and omit the salt in the next step). Remove into a bowl.
  • Place ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ tablespoon water into the same skillet and stir until it melts. Add the pepitas and ¼ teaspoon salt and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until coated and sticky. Remove to parchment paper in a single layer. Allow to cool until dry, about 1 hour.
Peach Burrata Salad on plate.

More recipes with burrata

There are so many great ways to use burrata cheese. We love it best in burrata pasta with tomato sauce, or on a gooey burrata pizza. Of course, it’s classic in a burrata salad with peppery arugula. Here are all of our favorite burrata recipes to browse!

Dietary notes

This peach burrata salad is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

What is burrata cheese, and where can I find it?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy center and a delicate mozzarella shell. You can typically find it in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores or at Italian markets.

What kind of peaches are best for this salad?

Look for peaches that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and have a deep golden color. You can use either yellow or white peaches, depending on your preference.

What other ingredients can I add to this salad?

This salad is incredibly versatile! You can add a variety of fresh herbs like basil, mint, or tarragon, or try adding some chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for a bit of crunch. Grilled corn and prosciutto are also delicious additions.

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Peach Burrata Salad

Peach Burrata Salad


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 large ripe peaches
  • 1 handful cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 to 2 balls burrata cheese (use 2 balls for 4 servings)
  • 1 handful basil leaves
  • Olive oil 
  • Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
  • Flaky sea salt (smoked, if desired)
  • 1 handful pepitas, roasted or candied (optional; see Notes)

Instructions

  1. Slice the peaches. (Use up to 3 peaches for 4 servings; you can eye-ball the quantities based on the size of the fruit.)
  2. On a platter or separate plates, place the peach slices. Break the burrata into chunks with your hands and place it over the top (using 1 ball for 2 servings or 2 balls for 4 servings).
  3. Top with a few sliced cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, a tiny drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If desired, top with roasted salted or candied pepitas.

Notes

Roasted salted pepitas are easy to find at the store. If all you can find is raw pepitas, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to pop and brown. Remove into a bowl.

Or make candied pepitas: Place ½ cup raw pepitas in skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to pop and brown (you can also use roasted salted; skip this step and omit the salt in the next step). Remove into a bowl. Place ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ tablespoon water into the same skillet and stir until it melts. Add the pepitas and ¼ teaspoon salt and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until coated and sticky. Remove to parchment paper in a single layer. Allow to cool until dry, about 1 hour.

  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Salad
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Bruschetta

All of the best tips we learned in Italy about how to make classic tomato basil bruschetta. Tomato season means…time to make tomato bruschetta! ♡ I’ve long been a big fan of this classic Italian appetizer. But a few years ago during our trip to Rome, my husband and I had the opportunity to take a […]

All of the best tips we learned in Italy about how to make classic tomato basil bruschetta.

Tomato season means…time to make tomato bruschetta! ♡

I’ve long been a big fan of this classic Italian appetizer. But a few years ago during our trip to Rome, my husband and I had the opportunity to take a cooking class on the art of making traditional tomato basil bruschetta and learned a few tips and techniques we found helpful. So I figured that tomato season would be a good time to pop in here and share a bit of what we learned!

First, a quick note about pronunciation. Americans often pronounce bruschetta with an “sh” sound, but the Italian ch is actually pronounced like an English “k”, so it should sound more like broo-skeh-tah. (By the way, the plural of bruschetta is bruschette — broo-skeh-teh.) Its name is derived from the Roman verb meaning “to toast” or “to roast over coals,” which makes sense because bruschetta is commonly regarded as one of the best uses for leftover bread.

Tomato bruschetta been a popular dish in Italy since the 16th century, back when tomatoes first arrived on the scene in Europe. And as with most classic Italian dishes, the components of tomato bruschetta are intentionally kept simple so that the vibrant, fresh flavor of each ingredient can each really shine through. All you need are ripe tomatoes, good-quality olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, oregano, sea salt and crusty bread to make an excellent batch of bruschette al pomodoro. It’s a quick and easy appetizer to assemble. And, if you’d like, you can even prep the crostini and tomato basil topping hours in advance and assemble just before serving, making bruschetta a terrific option for easy entertaining.

The most important thing that our instructor stressed again and again is that amazing tomatoes make for amazing bruschetta. So let’s make the most of tomato season and whip up a quick batch of bruschetta!

(more…)

Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Baked Tofu

What could be better than the saucy, savory goodness of classic ratatouille!? Answer: SHEET PAN ratatouille! Say “au revoir” to stovetop babysitting, and “bonjour!” to extra caramelization with minimal effort!
Turn it into a satisfying plant-based meal…

Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Baked Tofu

What could be better than the saucy, savory goodness of classic ratatouille!? Answer: SHEET PAN ratatouille! Say “au revoir” to stovetop babysitting, and “bonjour!” to extra caramelization with minimal effort!

Turn it into a satisfying plant-based meal by adding protein-rich Crispy Baked Italian Herb Tofu and drizzling with Creamy Pesto Sauce. We have a feeling it’ll be your new favorite summer meal!

Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Baked Tofu from Minimalist Baker →

Creamy Pesto Sauce (Dairy-Free)

We’re throwing a pesto party, and you’re invited! With all the herby, savory goodness of traditional basil pesto, this CREAMY dairy-free pesto SAUCE is endlessly versatile and almost too easy. It comes together in just 5 minutes with 7 simple ingredien…

Creamy Pesto Sauce (Dairy-Free)

We’re throwing a pesto party, and you’re invited! With all the herby, savory goodness of traditional basil pesto, this CREAMY dairy-free pesto SAUCE is endlessly versatile and almost too easy. It comes together in just 5 minutes with 7 simple ingredients!

This sauce is delicious on everything from pasta to veggies and beyond. Let’s get pesto-ing! 

How to Make Creamy Pesto Sauce, Dairy-Free!

Creamy Pesto Sauce (Dairy-Free) from Minimalist Baker →

White Bean Salad

a Mediterranean white bean salad in a large white bowl.This simple White Bean Salad is the ultimate summer salad! It’s quick and easy to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor thanks to a mix of refreshing Mediterranean vegetables, fresh herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and lemon vinaigrette. Craving more fresh summer salads? Check out my Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad,…

a Mediterranean white bean salad in a large white bowl.

This simple White Bean Salad is the ultimate summer salad! It’s quick and easy to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor thanks to a mix of refreshing Mediterranean vegetables, fresh herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and lemon vinaigrette.

Craving more fresh summer salads? Check out my Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad, and Chickpea Salad while you’re here!

a Mediterranean white bean salad in a large white bowl.

Canned white beans may not look exciting at first glance, but once you learn about their endless uses, you’ll be thrilled to have them in your cupboard! With their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor, these beans make White Bean Soup, Sun Dried Tomato Butter Beans, and many more recipes so heavenly.

This quick and easy White Bean Salad recipe is another way to use up a few cans of cannellini beans. It has fresh and vibrant Mediterranean flavors and is packed with plant protein, making it anything but boring. 

The beans are combined with herbs and a blend of Mediterranean veggies, like cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and cucumbers, then tossed with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to round out every bite. Simple, bright, and refreshing, it has everything you need in a summer salad!

Why you’ll love this Mediterranean white bean salad

  • Mediterranean-style – This vegan bean salad has the best the Mediterranean has to offer, like colorful vegetables, fresh parsley and mint leaves to brighten every bite, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
  • Perfect for summer! The crisp and juicy veggies and herbaceous Italian-inspired flavors will keep you cool on hot summer days.
  • Incredibly fast and easy – Just toss everything in a bowl and enjoy!
the ingredients for white bean salad in a large white bowl.

How to make a vegan white bean salad

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Add all of the white bean salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Give it a taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Looking for a little more flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, sumac, dried oregano, or za’atar, fresh basil leaves, and/or a splash of red wine vinegar and toss to combine.

Place the salad in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or serve it right away. Enjoy! 

using two wooden spoons to toss a white bean salad together.

Frequently asked questions

I can’t find cannellini beans. What can I use instead?

You can swap the cannellini beans (white kidney beans) for an equal amount of navy beans, great northern beans, chickpeas or butter beans (lima beans).

Do dry white beans work for this bean salad?

Dry beans do work in this salad, although they aren’t as convenient as canned beans. 

To make this recipe with dry beans, soak 1 cup of dry white beans in water overnight, then drain the water and add the beans to a medium saucepan. Cover with water and heat to a boil. Allow the beans to simmer until they’re soft and tender (1 to 1.5 hours), then drain and set aside to cool before using them in the salad.

What should I serve with bean salad?

Serve this creamy white bean salad as a satisfying side dish with any Italian-inspired main dish. I like pairing it with light vegan pastas, like my Lemon Pasta, Spinach Artichoke Pasta, or Lemon Asparagus Pasta, and a green salad or vegan Caesar salad on the side. This Vegan Tiramisu is always perfect for dessert!

Because of its light and refreshing flavors, this bean salad also pairs well with summer favorites. Bring it with you to the picnic, potluck, or barbecue, and enjoy it alongside vegan macaroni salad, veggie burgers, chickpea salad sandwiches, and more.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors will be even better after letting this salad chill in the fridge. I recommend serving it within a few hours of assembly, although you can prepare it up to 1 or 2 days in advance.

How do I store the leftovers?

The leftover bean salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Any longer and the vegetables will start to soften.

a Mediterranean white bean salad in a large white bowl.
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White Bean Salad

This simple White Bean Salad is the ultimate summer salad! It’s quick and easy to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor thanks to a mix of refreshing Mediterranean vegetables, fresh herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and lemon vinaigrette.
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 260kcal

Ingredients

  • (2) 15-ounce cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium English cucumber diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives or black olives
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup diced small red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 15 fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste (I used 1 tsp salt)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta I used dairy free feta crumbles

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
  • Taste; add more salt and pepper to taste, or more lemon juice.
  • For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of oregano or sumac for more flavor.
  2. The salad will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for about 2 days. After that, the vegetables start to soften too much.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6 servings | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 998mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1210IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 5mg

Marry Me Chickpeas

close up on a wooden spoon stirring a batch of Marry Me Chickpeas in a large skillet.This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent 15-minute meal. For more easy ways to use the canned chickpeas in your cupboard, check out my Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Italian Chickpea Soup, Chickpea Burger, and Biscuit Topped…

close up on a wooden spoon stirring a batch of Marry Me Chickpeas in a large skillet.

This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent 15-minute meal.

For more easy ways to use the canned chickpeas in your cupboard, check out my Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Italian Chickpea Soup, Chickpea Burger, and Biscuit Topped Chickpea Pot Pie recipes!

a wooden spoon stirring a batch of Marry Me Chickpeas in a large skillet.

The viral Marry Me Chicken recipe is no match for my vegan-friendly Marry Me Chickpeas. It’s as creamy, indulgent, and family-friendly as the original, but made without dairy or meat!

What’s better is that this one-pan meal is totally foolproof. Just simmer the protein-packed chickpeas in the dreamy Tuscan sun dried tomato cream sauce for 15 minutes, then enjoy it for family dinners or date nights at home. Don’t forget the hunks of crusty bread for scooping up every luxurious bite!

Why you’ll love this easy plant based recipe

  • Rich Tuscan-inspired flavors – Like my Tuscan Vegan Gnocchi, vegan marry me chickpeas feature incredible Italian-inspired flavors that will keep you going back for more.
  • Packed with protein – Two cans of chickpeas pack this dish with about 30 grams of plant-based protein!
  • An easy one-pan meal – The everyday ingredients in this dish are cooked together in one pan in just 15 minutes.
a piece of bread dunked in a bowl of Marry Me Chickpeas.

How to make marry me chickpeas

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over low-medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper.

Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach to the pan. Simmer until the sauce is warmed through and the spinach is wilted.

Garnish the Tuscan chickpeas with chopped fresh basil and vegan parmesan. Scoop up every bite with crusty bread or serve it over rice, pasta, or baked sweet potatoes. Enjoy!

fresh spinach in a large pan with chickpeas and cream sauce.

Frequently asked questions

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a dish that combines cooked chicken with a sun dried tomato and garlic cream sauce. The original recipe is made with heavy cream and chicken breasts, but in vegan marry me chicken recipes, they’re swapped for vegan cream and canned chickpeas.

Why is it called Marry Me Chickpeas?

It’s simple: the silky smooth cashew cream sauce, Italian flavors, and hearty chickpeas in every bite are so good that you’re bound to get a marriage proposal from anyone you serve it to!

What can I use instead of chickpeas?

Canned cannellini beans or another white bean will work well. For a meatier dish, you can use my Vegan Chicken recipe, homemade seitan bites, or baked tofu.

My cream sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

I recommend making the cream sauce with cashew cream for a thick and luxurious consistency. While store-bought vegan cream (I love Ripple’s dairy free half and half) or coconut milk also work, they’ll make the sauce slightly thinner. To help thicken it, stir a cornstarch slurry (made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl) into the sauce at the end and gently simmer until it thickens.

How do you store the leftovers?

The leftovers will keep for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them for quick and easy meals or meal prep throughout the week! To reheat, zap the chickpeas and sauce in the microwave or warm them in a saucepan on the stove until heated through.

using a piece of bread to scoop up a bite of Marry Me Chickpeas from a skillet.
close up on a wooden spoon stirring a batch of Marry Me Chickpeas in a large skillet.
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Marry Me Chickpeas

This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent 15-minute meal.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 294kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • (2) 15-ounce cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup vegan cream See Notes
  • 2 cups baby spinach sliced
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese I used Violife

Instructions

  • In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Now add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, cream and spinach and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste; add more salt, pepper or red pepper flakes as desired.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, or on to of cooked rice, pasta or even a baked sweet potato. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. For vegan marry me chicken, try substituting the chickpeas for any vegan chicken you like, including my homemade seitan chicken. Or make my crispy baked tofu and use that instead.
  2. For the cream, you can use any store bought dairy free creamer (I love Ripple’s Half and Half), full fat coconut milk, another unsweetened plant milk or best of all, homemade cashew cream.
  3. To make cashew cream for the cream – Bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil (I use my tea kettle). Pour the hot water over ¾ cup raw cashews and let soak for 5 minutes or up to an hour. Drain the cashews and add to a high powered blender with 1 cup of fresh water and blend until creamy and smooth.
  4. If you use a store bought cream or coconut milk, you may want to thicken the chickpeas as the sauce won’t be as thick. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in a bowl, then stir it into the chickpea mixture at the end. It should thicken up nicely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6 servings | Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 690mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1231IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 5mg

White Bean Eggplant Caponata (1 Pan!)

Have you tried caponata? If not, let us introduce you! It’s a delicious Sicilian eggplant dish with sweet and savory flavor, and we ADORE it! While commonly served as an appetizer or side, it’s worthy of being a main when a little protein and fiber are…

White Bean Eggplant Caponata (1 Pan!)

Have you tried caponata? If not, let us introduce you! It’s a delicious Sicilian eggplant dish with sweet and savory flavor, and we ADORE it! While commonly served as an appetizer or side, it’s worthy of being a main when a little protein and fiber are added in. Introducing: white bean eggplant caponata! 

Made in 1 pan with just 10 ingredients, this is an effortless, plant-based entrée that pairs well with pasta, polenta, bread, or even mashed potatoes.

White Bean Eggplant Caponata (1 Pan!) from Minimalist Baker →

Lemon Basil Butter Pasta

All you need are 6 simple ingredients to make a vibrant batch of this lemon basil butter pasta in less than 30 minutes. Fresh basil is back in season and I vote we celebrate with this lemon basil butter pasta! ♡ Our family fell in love with Ali Slagle’s viral basil-butter pasta last fall, which […]

All you need are 6 simple ingredients to make a vibrant batch of this lemon basil butter pasta in less than 30 minutes.

Lemon Basil Butter Pasta

Fresh basil is back in season and I vote we celebrate with this lemon basil butter pasta! ♡

Our family fell in love with Ali Slagle’s viral basil-butter pasta last fall, which is a deliciously basil-forward, nut-free, and buttery alternative to traditional basil pesto pasta. She had the brilliant idea to blitz blanched basil with butter in a food processor (which you should definitely double to have leftovers for later!), which is then melted into a batch of hot pasta for a quick and easy 3-ingredient meal. The creamy, salty, melted butter serves as the perfect saucy vehicle for the fragrant peppery flavor of fresh basil, and perfectly coats each strand of pasta. And while it’s easy to make the basil butter in the amount of time it takes to cook the pasta, you can also prep the basil butter in advance if you’d like to make dinnertime an absolute breeze. Such a win!

That said, while Ali’s version keeps things simple with just basil, butter and pasta, we’ve come to love adding in a generous dose of lemon, black pepper and Parmesan to this pasta as well (a la this recipe), which adds a balance of bright, spicy, umami flavors to the basil butter that really makes this dish sing. And for any of you who want to go the extra mile and make a batch of brown butter to use here (totally optional, but WOW), I can vouch that the extra toasty, nutty flavor notes absolutely take this simple dish over the top.

Bottom line, I’m now convinced that this melting-basil-butter-into-hot-pasta method here is one that any herb-lover should add to their repertoire. So grab a big bunch of basil and let’s make some pasta!

Lemon basil butter pasta ingredients (more…)

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

“Marry me” chicken recipes have been flooding the internet over the past few years, and with good reason — a pan full of creamy, sun-dried tomato and basil chicken can’t help but be a winner! Here in our house, though, I wanted to make a version that my vegetarian husband and pasta-loving toddler could enjoy […]

“Marry me” chicken recipes have been flooding the internet over the past few years, and with good reason — a pan full of creamy, sun-dried tomato and basil chicken can’t help but be a winner! Here in our house, though, I wanted to make a version that my vegetarian husband and pasta-loving toddler could enjoy too. Thus, this orzo and chickpeas dish was born. ♡

It’s basically just a “marry me” take on our family’s favorite lemony spiced orzo and chickpeas recipe. But this time, of course, made with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a garlicky creamy broth, loads of fresh basil and a generous shower of Parmesan, all simmered together with perfectly chewy al dente pasta and protein-packed chickpeas. It’s a one-pot, 30-minute dinner that the whole family adores. And I’m pretty sure even all of the omnivores out there won’t miss the chicken!

That said, meals like this one are inherently customizable. So if you feel like adding in an additional protein (such as Italian sausage, shrimp, salmon or chicken), it would be quite easy to do. Or there are all sorts of other veggies and add-ins that could be delicious mixed in too. However you approach this one, the basic formula is famously so good that it will want to make everyone want to marry the cook. So…get ready to fall in love! ;)

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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Butter Beans Recipe

sliced bread dipped in a batch of creamy butter beans.This Tuscan-inspired butter beans recipe tosses canned butter beans in a rich and creamy sun dried tomato sauce. It’s incredibly comforting, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes! Transform more of the canned beans in your pantry with these Best Vegan Baked Beans, Easy Chickpea Curry, and White Bean Soup recipes! You’ll never look at…

sliced bread dipped in a batch of creamy butter beans.

This Tuscan-inspired butter beans recipe tosses canned butter beans in a rich and creamy sun dried tomato sauce. It’s incredibly comforting, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes!

Transform more of the canned beans in your pantry with these Best Vegan Baked Beans, Easy Chickpea Curry, and White Bean Soup recipes!

sliced bread dipped in a batch of creamy butter beans.

You’ll never look at a can of butter beans the same way again after trying this rich and comforting butter beans recipe! It combines canned butter beans with a luxurious cashew cream, sun dried tomato, and Italian herb sauce that’s easy to make in a blender. Every bite tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant, especially when scooped up with crusty bread!

There’s really no chopping at all required (except the optional slicing of baby spinach), so this is truly a ridiculously easy and incredible meal!

Why you’ll fall in love with this butter beans recipe

  • Marry Me Butter Beans – Ever heard of Marry Me Chicken? This recipe is a play on that indulgent, creamy, and crave-worthy meal but uses non-dairy substitutes and canned butter beans instead of meat.
  • Creamy and indulgent, but healthy – Every bite of this canned butter beans recipe is rich, creamy, and comforting. You won’t even notice that it’s loaded with plant-based protein and fiber!
  • Incredibly comforting – Make sure you have plenty of crusty bread (maybe my Dutch Oven Bread?) on the side because you’ll want to scoop up every last drop of this heavenly comfort food.
ingredients for a Tuscan cashew cream sauce in a blender.

How to make this vegan butter beans recipe

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

First, quickly soak the cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Afterward, drain the water and add the cashews to a high-powered blender along with the garlic, sun dried tomatoes, basil leaves, lemon juice, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.

a creamy orange Tuscan sauce in a blender.

Pour the sauce into a large skillet. Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans, then heat over medium heat. Simmer the sun dried tomato sauce and beans, stirring often, until heated through.

For a thinner consistency, stir splashes of water into the sauce until it’s as thin as you like.

Lastly, stir the spinach and more sun dried tomatoes (optional) into the sauce. Cook until the spinach wilts, then serve the creamy butter beans in a bowl with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

For a truly impressive presentation, top the Tuscan butter beans with chopped fresh basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and/or vegan parmesan cheese.

butter beans on top of a creamy Tuscan sun dried tomato sauce in a large black skillet.

Frequently asked questions

Are butter beans the same as lima beans?

Yes, butter beans and lima beans are the exact same thing! Depending on where you are in the world, the can of beans may be labeled “butter beans” or “lima beans”.

Can I make this with dry butter beans instead?

Sure. To cook dry butter beans, soak 1.5 cups of dried butter beans in water overnight and boil them in fresh water the next day until they’re tender.

I can’t find butter beans. What can I use instead?

You can swap the canned butter beans for 2 cans of another soft and creamy white bean, like cannellini beans, great northern beans, or navy beans. Even chickpeas work well!

What can I substitute for the cashews?

I haven’t tested it, but you should be fine to use blanched slivered almonds instead of cashews in the sauce. For a nut-free alternative, experiment with raw sunflower seeds or 1 can of full-fat coconut milk instead (don’t use as much water with this option, just add water as need to the pan).

How do you serve this easy butter beans recipe?

These creamy sun dried tomato butter beans are hearty enough to be served on their own, either by the spoonful or scooped up with fresh, crusty bread. I like it with a sliced baguette from the store or slices of my Dutch Oven Bread!

If you’d like to stretch the meal a bit further, spoon the beans over a bowl of pasta, cooked white or brown rice, or the whole grains of your choice. Include this Kale Caesar Salad on the side to round out every bite, and finish the meal with my Vegan Chocolate Cake for dessert!

How do you store leftover butter beans?

Once the beans and sauce are cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw the leftovers overnight in the fridge before reheating.

sliced bread dipped in a batch of creamy butter beans.
sliced bread dipped in a batch of creamy butter beans.
Print

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Butter Beans Recipe

This Tuscan-inspired butter beans recipe tosses canned butter beans in a rich and creamy sun dried tomato sauce. It’s incredibly comforting, healthy, and ready in just 20 minutes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 257kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup raw cashews*
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes plus more if desired
  • 7-8 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups water + more as needed
  • (2) 15-ounce cans butter beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups baby spinach sliced
  • crusty bread for serving, optional

Instructions

  • Soak the cashews: Bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil (I use my tea kettle). Pour the hot water over the cashews and let soak for 5 minutes or up to an hour.
  • Blend the sauce: Drain the cashews and add to a high powered blender, along with the garlic, sun dried tomatoes, basil leaves, lemon juice, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and water. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  • Cook sauce and beans: Pour the creamy sauce into a large skillet. Add the drained and rinsed beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring often. Add a little more water, if desired, for a thinner sauce.
  • Stir in spinach and finish: Stir in the spinach and more sun dried tomatoes, if desired. Cook until the spinach wilts and is bright green. Remove from heat and taste, adding salt or black pepper as needed. Serve with crusty bread.

Notes

  1. You can substitute sunflower seeds or raw slivered almonds for the cashews, if needed. Or use a can of full fat coconut milk and omit the water (or use more as needed to thin the sauce).
  2. If you can’t find butter beans, this recipe works well with any kind of white beans – great northern, navy or chickpeas.
  3. I love to serve it with crusty bread for dipping, but it’s good over rice, quinoa or another grain as well.
  4. This is a great meal prep recipe! Store the leftovers in covered containers for up to 4 days. Reheat and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 5 servings | Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 970mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1236IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 5mg