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Piyaz: Traditional Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe

Gourmet Chef•
Piyaz: Traditional Turkish White Bean Salad Recipe

Piyaz, a beloved Turkish salad, is a simple yet flavorful dish made with basic ingredients like white beans, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and garlic. Dressed with fresh lemon juice and a touch of tangy sumac vinegar, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying option that can be prepared in just 10 minutes or less.

Often called Fasulye Piyazı in Turkey, this white bean salad has become one of my favorites after I first tried it during a trip to Turkey. While many bean salads are packed with bold Mediterranean spices and lemony dressings, the Turkish version uses minimal ingredients to create a beautifully balanced, light dish.

“Fasulye” means beans in Turkish, and “Piyaz” comes from the Persian word for onion. So, the name Fasulye Piyazı literally translates to “bean and onion salad.” This vibrant dish is typically made with simple white beans, red onions, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh parsley. The key to its flavor is the citrus dressing, made from red wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and the unique addition of sumac — a Middle Eastern spice that adds a rich, tangy flavor and deep red color to the salad.

Ingredients for Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)

This recipe requires just a few ingredients to create a refreshing and satisfying salad:

  • Small red onion – You can also use thinly sliced green onions for a milder, sweeter flavor.
  • Garlic – 2 fresh cloves, minced.
  • Roma tomatoes – Cut into wedges, or you can substitute with whole cherry tomatoes.
  • Fresh parsley – Chopped finely for a fresh, peppery flavor.
  • White beans – One 15-ounce can, thoroughly rinsed and drained.

Ingredients for Piyaz Salad Dressing

The dressing is where the magic happens. A combination of citrus and sumac gives the salad its signature flavor:

  • Red wine vinegar and fresh lemon juice – These provide the bright, tangy citrus flavor that brings out the best in the beans.
  • Sumac – A spice with a unique tangy and slightly smoky flavor, sumac is an essential ingredient for an authentic Turkish piyaz.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – For a fruity and rich base for the dressing, I prefer high-quality olive oil from Spain or Italy.

How to Make Turkish White Bean Salad (Fasulye Piyazı)

This piyaz recipe is quick and easy, especially since we’re using canned beans. It only takes about 10 minutes or less to prepare. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Prepare the Citrus Bath
    To mellow the raw flavors of the onions and garlic, start by making a citrus bath. In a large bowl, add 1 thinly sliced red onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Pour over 5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soften the raw onion and garlic.
  2. Prepare the Other Ingredients
    While the onions and garlic marinate, prepare the remaining salad ingredients. Chop 3 Roma tomatoes into wedges, finely chop ½ cup of fresh parsley, and drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of white beans.
  3. Mix the Salad
    Once the onions and garlic have softened, add the tomatoes, white beans, and parsley to the bowl. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of sumac, and season with coarse salt and black pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to crush the beans or tomatoes.
  4. Finish with Olive Oil
    Drizzle in ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, then stir again to coat the ingredients in the tangy dressing. While you can enjoy the salad immediately, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Turkish White Bean Salad

  • Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this is a perfect last-minute side dish or light meal.
  • Refreshing & Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy citrus dressing makes it a vibrant addition to any meal.
  • Healthy: Packed with protein-rich white beans, fresh vegetables, and healthy olive oil, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
  • Authentic Turkish Flavor: With the addition of sumac and other traditional ingredients, this piyaz recipe brings an authentic taste of Turkey to your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this Turkish White Bean Salad (Fasulye Piyazı) is a simple yet flavorful choice that will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean.