Some dishes have a way of waking up your taste buds from the very first bite, and Piyaz, the beloved Turkish white bean salad, is one of those dishes. It’s simple but layered with flavor—fresh, zesty, and wonderfully vibrant. For many families across Turkey, Piyaz isn’t just a salad; it’s a staple that sits proudly next to kebabs, roasted meats, or even a warm piece of flatbread.
My first experience with Piyaz came from a small, family-run Turkish restaurant on a quiet street corner. It wasn’t the flashy main dishes that captured my attention—it was this cool, refreshing salad served alongside them. The thinly sliced onions rubbed with sumac, the ripe tomatoes, and those creamy beans all mingled together in a way that was both comforting and surprising. That combination of lemon, olive oil, and vinegar made every bite pop.
Today’s version captures that same authentic spirit, but with easy, accessible ingredients you can find in any local grocery store. Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or simply craving a bright, nutritious side dish, this Piyaz recipe is the perfect place to start.
Recipe Overview
This Turkish White Bean Salad is a refreshing mix of tender butter beans, juicy tomatoes, tangy sumac-coated onions, and fresh parsley. Tossed in a zesty dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, Piyaz delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in minutes. It’s naturally gluten-free, plant-based, protein-packed, and perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or picnic staple.
Ingredients & Instructions
Below is everything you need to make traditional-style Piyaz at home, along with tips to help you master the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 can butter beans (15 oz), drained
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Onions
Place the thinly sliced red onion, sumac, and ½ teaspoon sea salt into a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, gently massage the seasonings into the onion for about a minute.
This step is essential: it softens the onion’s sharpness while allowing the sumac’s lemony flavor to seep into every strand.
2. Add the Vegetables and Beans
Add the diced tomatoes, butter beans, and fresh parsley to the bowl. Toss gently to avoid crushing the beans but ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Tip: Butter beans work beautifully for their creamy texture, but you can also use white beans, cannellini beans, or Turkish “şeker fasulye” for a more traditional touch.
3. Mix the Dressing
Pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and remaining ½ teaspoon sea salt. Sprinkle in the Aleppo chili flakes and a dash of black pepper.
Aleppo chili adds mild heat and fruitiness, a hallmark of Middle Eastern cuisine. If unavailable, paprika or a pinch of crushed red pepper can be substituted.
4. Toss and Taste
Gently toss everything together until the beans and vegetables are fully coated. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
This salad should be bright, tangy, and balanced—never too salty, never too oily.
5. Optional: Let It Marinate
For deeper flavor, cover the salad and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the onions to mellow further and the dressing to fully permeate the beans and vegetables.
6. Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight, making it a great make-ahead option.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose the Right Beans
While butter beans are soft and creamy, you can swap them for:
- Cannellini beans
- Great Northern beans
- Navy beans
Just avoid overly firm varieties—Piyaz tastes best with tender, mild white beans.
2. Play with Acidity
Turkish cuisine often balances lemon and vinegar. If you prefer:
- Brighter flavor: Increase lemon juice
- Deeper tang: Add a touch more vinegar
Taste as you go!
3. Add Extra Vegetables
Enhance your Piyaz with:
- Sliced cucumbers
- Chopped scallions
- Bell peppers
- Radishes for crunch
4. Make It More Authentic
Traditional Antalya-style Piyaz sometimes includes:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Tahini dressing mixed with lemon and vinegar
These additions create a creamier, richer version known as Antalya Piyazı.
5. Spice Adjustments
- Use more Aleppo pepper for a mild kick.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Sprinkle extra sumac for more citrus-like brightness.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serving Ideas
Piyaz is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes, including:
- Grilled meats like kebabs or chicken skewers
- Rice pilaf or bulgur
- Warm pita or lavash bread
- Baked fish
- Mediterranean mezze platters
It can even stand on its own as a light lunch, especially during warm weather.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The beans absorb the dressing overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Piyaz is more than just a salad—it’s a refreshing, flavorful celebration of fresh ingredients and simple Mediterranean cooking. With its vibrant colors, protein-rich beans, and zesty dressing, it’s a dish that brings brightness to any meal. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a mezze spread, this Turkish classic is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Its ease, versatility, and bold flavor make it a favorite worth revisiting again and again. So grab your beans, slice those onions, and enjoy a taste of Turkey right at home.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans for Piyaz?
Yes—canned beans work perfectly as long as they’re drained and rinsed well.
2. What can I substitute for sumac?
Lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt makes a decent substitute, though sumac’s flavor is unique.
3. Is Piyaz served cold or warm?
Always cold or at room temperature. It’s meant to be refreshing.
4. Can I add tahini?
Yes! A tahini-based dressing creates a creamy Antalya-style Piyaz.
5. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free with no modifications needed.
Piyaz is a vibrant Turkish white bean salad made with tomatoes, parsley, sumac onions, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Fresh, easy, and perfect with Mediterranean meals.
