Try the amazing flavours of Mexico with our delicious fava bean salad! This protein-packed, healthy dish features fresh cactus paddles, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. Ideal for adding excitement to your meal plan, this seasonal delight can be enjoyed year-round with canned fava beans.
Elevate your dining experience with the irresistible appeal of fava bean salad. This nutritious dish boasts a rich protein content and a medley of flavours from fresh cactus paddles, succulent tomatoes, and lively onions.
Embrace a wholesome addition to your meal plan, offering both satisfaction and health benefits. The convenience of canned fava beans ensures you can relish this delectable salad anytime, making it a delightful and versatile choice for your culinary adventures.
This post is all about Mexican fave bean salad. Another delicious way of eating fava beans with cactus paddle, jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro with a light lime salad dressing.
What's so special about this salad?
This salad stands out for its unique blend of flavors and nutritional benefits. Packed with protein from fava beans, it combines the freshness of cactus paddles, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the zestiness of onions.
This harmonious mix not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a wholesome and satisfying addition to your diet. Its versatility, thanks to canned fava beans, makes it a special and convenient choice for those seeking a delightful and nourishing culinary experience
Why try the salad?
- It is nutritional and packed with proteins!
- offers a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds
- healthy option to your meal plan or simply want to savour something delicious,
- easy and accessible culinary delight.
Ingredients
Fava beans
Delicious fava beans are both tasty and nutritious. Whether fresh or canned, they are the main ingredient for this salad, so don't miss out on it!
Tomatoes
Adding diced fresh tomatoes brings a touch of freshness and acidity to the salad. I typically remove the seeds, using only the flesh of the tomatoes.
Cactus paddles
Delicious cactus paddles also known as "nopales" in Spanish, have a slightly acidic and green taste, which is perfect for the salad. They help balance the fava bean flavour.
cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a delightful touch to the salad, serving as one of the best ingredients for a burst of flavour. Its robust taste contributes to the distinct Mexican flavour profile of the dish. Additionally, cilantro brings a refreshing herbaceousness that enhances the overall culinary experience.
jalapenos
I'm always on the lookout for a spicy kick in salads, and jalapeños provide just the right amount of extra punch to elevate the flavour profile of the salad. Their zesty heat adds a dynamic element, making every bite a tantalizing experience.
lime
No salad is truly complete without lime, and we're generously incorporating ample lime juice into this vibrant dish. The citrusy zing of lime not only enhances the overall freshness but also imparts a zesty brightness that elevates the flavour profile to a whole new level.
Mexican oregano
In the salad dressing, we include Mexican oregano to infuse the dish with that unmistakable Mexican flavor. This aromatic herb brings a unique and earthy undertone, adding depth and authenticity to the overall taste experience.
How to Cook Fresh Fava Beans
Cooking fresh fava beans only takes 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pods. Once you remove the bean from the shell, bring a pot of water to boil. Add the beans in for 5-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare a bowl bowl of water with some ice in it. Once the pods have turn into a moss colour green, remove them and quickly place them in the ice bath. Now use your fingers to peel off the tough outer skin of each bean. The vibrant green inner bean is what you want to keep.
How to Cook Dried Fava Beans
Cooking dried fava beans requires soaking and simmering to soften them before use.
This post is all about Mexican fave bean salad. Another delicious way of eating fava beans with cactus paddle, jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro with a light lime salad dressing.
Mexican Fava Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can (15pz) fava beans, drained and rinsed 2.5 cups of shelled and peeled fresh fava beans
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup diced fresh cactus paddles "nopales"
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, roughly chopped
Salad Dressing
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- FRESH FAVA BEANS: bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the bean from the shell, and boil them for 5-7 minutes.  Once the pods have turned into a moss colour green, remove them and quickly place them in the ice bath. Now use your fingers to peel off the tough outer skin of each bean. The vibrant green inner bean is what you want to keep.
- CANNED FAVA BEANS: Remove the beans from the can and strain out the liquid. Give them a good rinse in water. Strain.
- DRESSING: Put all the ingredients together and give it a good stir with a whisk.
- PUTTING IT TOGETHER: Add all the fava beans tomato, cactus paddles, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños together in a large bowl. Give it a good toss, and top it off with the dressing and give it another good toss. Serve immediately.
