Charred Broccolini & White Bean Salad

DifficultyBeginner

A warm, vibrant salad that brings together smoky broccolini, tender white beans, fresh herbs, and a zingy lemon-garlic vinaigrette. It's quick to prepare, full of texture, and works beautifully as a vegetarian main or a side with grilled meats or fish.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time40 mins
For the Salad
 1 bunch broccolini (~10 oz), trimmed
 1 ½ tbsp olive oil, for charring
 1 cup white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
 ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
 ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
 Zest of 1 lemon
 Shaved parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
 2 ¾ cups toasted almonds or pine nuts, for crunch (optional)
For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing
 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 Salt & pepper, to taste
 Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes or sumac for brightness
Char the Broccolini
1
  1. Heat 1½ tbsp olive oil in a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Toss broccolini with a pinch of salt and lightly coat with olive oil.

  3. Add to the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  4. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with tongs for maximum char, until bright green and crisp-tender with some golden or blackened spots.

  5. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Make the Dressing
2
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

  2. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sumac if using.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad
3
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine white beans, sliced red onion, parsley, and lemon zest.

  2. Add in the charred broccolini, chopped into large bite-sized pieces.

  3. Toss everything gently with the lemon-garlic dressing to coat evenly.

Garnish & Serve
4
  1. Plate the salad and top with shaved parmesan or crumbled feta, if using.

  2. Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture.

  3. Serve warm or at room temperature with a final drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper.

Serving Suggestions
5
  • Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, or dry rosé

  • Pair With: Grilled chicken, salmon, roasted carrots, or flatbread

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days—great for meal prep!

Ingredients

For the Salad
 1 bunch broccolini (~10 oz), trimmed
 1 ½ tbsp olive oil, for charring
 1 cup white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
 ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
 ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
 Zest of 1 lemon
 Shaved parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
 2 ¾ cups toasted almonds or pine nuts, for crunch (optional)
For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing
 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 Salt & pepper, to taste
 Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes or sumac for brightness

Directions

Char the Broccolini
1
  1. Heat 1½ tbsp olive oil in a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Toss broccolini with a pinch of salt and lightly coat with olive oil.

  3. Add to the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  4. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with tongs for maximum char, until bright green and crisp-tender with some golden or blackened spots.

  5. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Make the Dressing
2
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

  2. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sumac if using.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad
3
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine white beans, sliced red onion, parsley, and lemon zest.

  2. Add in the charred broccolini, chopped into large bite-sized pieces.

  3. Toss everything gently with the lemon-garlic dressing to coat evenly.

Garnish & Serve
4
  1. Plate the salad and top with shaved parmesan or crumbled feta, if using.

  2. Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture.

  3. Serve warm or at room temperature with a final drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper.

Serving Suggestions
5
  • Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, or dry rosé

  • Pair With: Grilled chicken, salmon, roasted carrots, or flatbread

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days—great for meal prep!

Notes

Charred Broccolini & White Bean Salad
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