Name: Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-494379H16M11S
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 3 medium tomatoes, diced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 can butter beans, drained (15 oz); 2 teaspoon sumac; 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided; Black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (pul biber); 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml); 1 tablespoon vinegar (15 ml); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with bright flavors, satisfying textures, and a delightful hint of tang, then you have to try this Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish rooted in Turkish cuisine, featuring tender butter beans mingled with sharp red onion soaked in fragrant sumac, juicy tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a zesty dressing of lemon and vinegar. Whether you want a light lunch, a stunning side for your grilled meats, or just a wholesome bowl to snack on, this salad delivers every time with its wonderful balance of rustic simplicity and bold personality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, containing four separate layers of ingredients inside. On the top left, there are thinly sliced red onions mixed with green herbs, giving a light purple and green texture. To the right, bright red chopped tomatoes form a chunky layer. Below that, at the bottom right, a fresh green chopped herb layer sits neatly. At the bottom left, smooth, light beige beans are placed, contrasting with the other colors. The layers are fresh and uncooked, arranged side by side without mixing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare because every ingredient plays an essential role. From the slight crunch and tang of red onion to the creamy texture of butter beans, each element blends harmoniously to create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is satisfying.

Red onion: Thinly slicing and mixing it with sumac softens its sharpness while adding color and tartness.
Sumac: A tangy, lemon-like spice that infuses the onions with a beautiful zing and aroma.
Sea salt: Divided to season the onions early and adjust the final taste perfectly.
Tomatoes: Fresh and diced, bringing juicy sweetness and bright red hues to the salad.
Butter beans: Creamy canned beans provide hearty texture and soak up the dressing beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Chopped generously for a burst of herbaceous freshness and green vibrancy.
Olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness, helping marry all the flavors together.
Vinegar: A touch of acidity that balances the creamy beans and sweetness of tomatoes.
Lemon juice: Contributes bright citrus notes for that extra pop and freshness.
Black pepper: A subtle heat to elevate the overall seasoning.
Aleppo chili flakes (pul biber): Optional, but highly recommended for a gentle, smoky kick that’s authentically Turkish.

How to Make Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by placing the thinly sliced red onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the sumac and half a teaspoon of sea salt, then use your hands to gently rub and massage the mixture into the onions for about 30 to 60 seconds. This process softens the onions and infuses them with that signature tangy flavor sumac delivers.

Step 2: Add Fresh Ingredients

Next, fold in the diced tomatoes, drained butter beans, and chopped parsley with the onions. Gently mix everything together to combine, allowing the beans and vegetables to mingle with the charged onion mixture, creating a foundation full of vibrant colors and inviting textures.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour in the lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and the remaining half teaspoon salt. Toss well so every bean and veggie gets coated in the tangy, smooth dressing. At this stage, the salad already smells heavenly and tastes fresh, but the magic is yet to come.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Give it a taste, then season further with black pepper or more salt if necessary. This is your moment to customize the flavor to your liking. Optionally, sprinkle Aleppo chili flakes for a subtle smoky heat that beautifully complements the salad’s brightness.

Step 5: Let it Marinate

If you have time, cover the bowl and let the salad rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully, softening the onions further and deepening the overall taste. It’s a simple step that elevates the dish to another level.

How to Serve Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad made of three main layers: the bottom layer has large white beans scattered throughout, the middle layer contains thin strips of bright purple-red onions, and the top layer shows diced red tomatoes mixed with finely chopped green herbs all evenly mixed together. Two teal and gold spoons rest inside the bowl. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with some green parsley leaves and a whole red tomato nearby. A white plate with chopped green herbs sits in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe pop even more, try garnishing with some fresh parsley sprigs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of sumac right before serving. Toasted pine nuts or a few olives also add delightful textures and colors without overshadowing the salad’s main flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled meats like lamb or chicken, making a perfect balance of hearty and fresh in any meal. It also pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or pita, allowing you to scoop up the creamy beans and tangy dressing delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a vibrant party offering, serve Piyaz in small bowls or cups as an appetizer. Alternatively, pile it onto a bed of leafy greens for a fuller salad experience, or even stuff it into warm flatbreads with a bit of yogurt for a delicious handheld snack. The possibilities to enjoy this Turkish classic are as versatile as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it an easy, healthy option to enjoy for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well due to its fresh and delicate ingredients. The tomatoes and parsley will lose their texture, and the beans might become mushy. It’s best to make it fresh or store refrigerated for short-term enjoyment.

Reheating

Piyaz is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit out for a few minutes to lose the chill rather than applying heat, preserving the fresh crunch and bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe?

Absolutely! While butter beans are traditional, cannellini or navy beans work well, too. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans properly for the best texture.

What is sumac, and where can I find it?

Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice with a tart, lemony flavor that brightens dishes. You can find it at Middle Eastern markets, specialty spice shops, or online.

Is the Aleppo chili flakes an essential ingredient?

It’s optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle smoky heat. If you don’t have it, a pinch of regular chili flakes can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I prepare Piyaz ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting it marinate for 20-30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors. Storing it overnight in the fridge also helps the tastes meld beautifully.

Is this salad suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Definitely! Piyaz is plant-based, making it a fantastic vegan and vegetarian option packed with protein and fresh ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from Turkish home cooking—simple, fresh, and full of life. Once you make it, you’ll discover how easy it is to bring a burst of authentic flavor to your table with just a handful of ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!