Dreamy Butter Beans with Whipped Feta

A fresh, creamy, and herb-packed dish perfect for spring and summer!

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent—and this Butter Bean Salad with Whipped Feta and Herb Vinaigrette checks all the boxes. Creamy, protein-rich butter beans are layered with garlicky whipped feta and crisp cucumbers, then drizzled with a bright, zesty vinaigrette loaded with fresh herbs. It’s light enough for a warm day, but still substantial enough to hold its own as a lunch or side dish.

This is one of those recipes that’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners, and it comes together in about 15 minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Made in 15 minutes with mostly pantry staples.

• Balanced – Creamy whipped feta + crunchy cucumbers + buttery beans = dreamy texture contrast.

• Full of Fresh Herbs – The herb vinaigrette is what takes this from good to so good.

• Versatile – Great on its own, or served alongside grilled meats or crusty bread.

The Key Ingredients: A Twist on Tradition

• Garlic-infused Ricotta: Adding garlic to the ricotta filling might seem like a small change, but it makes a big difference. The garlic adds a savory, aromatic kick that complements the creaminess of the ricotta and mozzarella.

• Sautéed Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to the meat sauce that balances the beef’s richness. Sautéing the mushrooms ensures they’re perfectly tender and packed with flavor before they're added to the sauce, giving the entire lasagna a savory depth.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:

• As a standalone lunch with pita or crusty sourdough

• Alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or lamb

• As a vegetarian side at your next BBQ or garden party

• Topped with toasted nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch

Extra Notes

1. What are butter beans, exactly?
Butter beans are large, creamy white beans—often labeled as lima beans in some regions. They’re mild in flavor, soft in texture, and soak up sauces beautifully, which makes them perfect for this type of dish. If you can’t find butter beans, you can substitute cannellini beans or chickpeas, though the texture will be slightly different.

2. Choosing the right feta:
For the creamiest whipped feta, try using block feta in brine rather than the pre-crumbled kind. Block feta tends to be richer, smoother, and more flavorful—ideal for whipping into a silky spread.

3. Make it ahead-friendly:
This dish holds up great in the fridge for a day or two. If making ahead, store the whipped feta separately and assemble just before serving so the cucumbers stay crisp and the feta stays smooth. The vinaigrette can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Want to make it a full meal?
Toss in some quinoa, farro, or toasted sourdough croutons to bulk it up. Or top it with a poached or soft-boiled egg for a more filling protein-packed bowl.

5. Make it your own:
This is a great “template” dish—you can switch up the herbs (like using basil or tarragon), add sliced radishes, avocados, or even a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar on top for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Pat the cucumbers dry after salting to avoid watering down the dish.

• Use good-quality feta for a creamier whip and bolder flavor.

• Let the vinaigrette sit for a few minutes after mixing to let the herbs infuse fully.

• Serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature—both are delicious.

This Butter Bean Salad with Whipped Feta is one of those recipes that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It's packed with flavor, texture, and freshness, and feels like something you'd order at a cozy café. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a gathering with friends, it’s bound to be a hit.

Yield: 4

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Butter Bean Salad with Whipped Feta and Herb Vinaigrette

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

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Ingredients

For the Butter Beans

• 2 cups butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 can)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Whipped Feta

• 4 oz feta cheese
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cucumbers:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
• A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. If using canned butter beans, drain and rinse them under cold water. If using dried beans, cook according to package instructions.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter beans and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup.
7. Stir in the fresh dill, mint, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or chop into small cubes.
9. On a large serving platter or individual plates, spread a layer of whipped feta as the base.
10. Top with the butter beans, followed by the cucumbers.
11. Drizzle the herb vinaigrette generously over the beans and cucumbers.
12. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

Make it ahead: The whipped feta and herb vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. The butter beans should be freshly cooked for the best texture.

For extra crunch: Toast some pita bread or crusty bread and serve it on the side to scoop up the whipped feta and beans.

Herb variations: If you don’t have all the herbs listed, feel free to use what you have! Basil, oregano, or thyme would all work wonderfully.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

330

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.