Easy Orange and Tahini Piyaz (White Bean Salad)

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This orange and tahini piyaz is a simple white bean salad with fresh citrus and a light, creamy dressing. It’s quick to make and works well as a side dish or a light meal.

You only need one bowl and a few basic ingredients. If you’re looking for something fresh, filling, and easy to prepare, this is a good option.

Why this recipe works

• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• No cooking required
• Easy to adjust based on what you have
• Works as a side dish or a light meal

The combination of beans, citrus, and tahini gives you a balance of flavor. It’s fresh, slightly creamy, and not too heavy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Ingredient notes

• Beans: Great Northern beans work well, but you can use cannellini or chickpeas
• Onions: Using both white and red onions adds more flavor, but you can use just one
• Tahini: Adds creaminess. If it’s thick, stir it well before using
• Citrus: Fresh juice is best for a clean, bright flavor

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How to make orange and tahini piyaz

Step 1: Prepare the beans

Add the rinsed and drained beans to a large bowl.
Make sure they are well-drained so the salad doesn’t get watery.

Step 2: Add the vegetables

Add the sliced onions and diced tomato to the bowl.
Mix lightly so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a separate bowl, combine:

• Orange zest and juice
• Lemon zest and juice
• Tahini
• Olive oil
• A pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth.

If the dressing is too thick, add a small amount of water or more lemon juice.

Step 4: Combine everything

Pour the dressing over the bean mixture.

Toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Serve right away, or let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors come together.

Tips for best results

• Slice onions thinly so they blend well with the beans
• Taste the dressing before adding it, adjust salt or lemon if needed
• Let the salad rest for a few minutes before serving
• Use fresh parsley for better flavor
• If the salad feels dry, add a small amount of olive oil before serving

Variations and substitutions

This recipe is flexible. You can adjust it based on what you have.

• Use chickpeas instead of white beans
• Replace tahini with plain yogurt for a lighter version
• Add cucumber for extra freshness
• Add olives for more flavor
• Use green onions instead of regular onions for a milder taste

How to serve

This salad works in different ways:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish
• As a light lunch on its own
• As part of a larger meal with other simple dishes
• With flatbread or rice

If you want a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken or tofu.

Storage and make-ahead

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keeps well for 2 to 3 days
• Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle

This makes a good make-ahead option if you need something quick for later.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not draining the beans properly
• Adding too much salt before tasting
• Using bottled citrus juice instead of fresh
• Skipping the resting time after mixing

Small changes like these can affect the final result.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

This orange and tahini piyaz is a simple recipe that’s easy to adjust and quick to prepare. It works well when you need something fresh without much effort.

If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can still make it work with small substitutions. The goal is to keep it simple and use what you have.

If you try it, make a small adjustment next time based on your taste. That’s the easiest way to make recipes like this work for you.