Mediterranean cuisine is known for being vibrant, wholesome, and unbelievably flavorful, and few dishes showcase that better than Piyaz, a refreshing Turkish white bean salad that has stood the test of time. This dish is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through traditional techniques.
Piyaz often appears alongside grilled meats in Turkey, especially köfte, but it’s equally satisfying on its own. Its beauty lies in how quickly it comes together: thinly sliced onions massaged with sumac, juicy tomatoes, creamy beans, and a tangy dressing of lemon, vinegar, and olive oil. These ingredients blend to create a salad that’s bright, zesty, and layered with Middle Eastern spices.
Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or already a fan of its bold flavors, this Piyaz recipe is a perfect introduction. It’s easy, nutritious, naturally gluten-free, and ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight meals. Let’s explore this classic dish and learn how to bring it to life in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Piyaz is a traditional Turkish bean salad made with tender white beans, crisp onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a tangy-sumac dressing. It’s refreshing, slightly tart, lightly spicy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. The salad comes together in minutes, and its ingredients are simple, healthy, and delicious. Perfect as a side dish or light meal!
Ingredients & Instructions
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. Prepare the Onions
Place the thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl. Sprinkle with sumac and ½ teaspoon salt.
Using your hands, gently massage the onion for about a minute. This softens the texture, mellows the sharpness, and allows the sumac to fully infuse its tangy, citrusy flavor into the onions.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before massaging them with sumac.
2. Add the Vegetables and Beans
To the onion mixture, add the diced tomatoes, drained butter beans, and chopped parsley.
Stir everything together gently to avoid crushing the beans.
Ingredient Swap: Butter beans can be replaced with cannellini beans, navy beans, or traditional Turkish kuru fasulye.
3. Make the Dressing
Drizzle in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
Toss well until the salad is fully coated and the dressing is evenly distributed.
The triple-acid combination—sumac, lemon, and vinegar—creates Piyaz’s signature tangy brightness.
4. Adjust & Serve
Taste and enhance the seasoning with black pepper and Aleppo chili flakes.
Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for 20–30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
5. Storage
Store leftover Piyaz in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add a Creamy Element
In some regions of Turkey, Piyaz is served with tahini. Add 1–2 tablespoons to the dressing for a richer, creamier version.
2. Boost the Vegetables
Cucumbers, roasted peppers, scallions, or even radishes complement the flavors beautifully.
3. Spice Adjustments
If you like heat, increase the Aleppo pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Use Fresh Sumac
High-quality sumac has a tangy, lemony aroma. If yours smells dull, replace it—it’s key to authentic flavor.
5. Make It a Meal
Top your Piyaz with:
- Grilled chicken
- Baked fish
- Hard-boiled eggs
- A scoop of quinoa
It becomes a balanced, protein-packed lunch.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
Piyaz stores well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The beans absorb flavor over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Piyaz with:
- Köfte (Turkish meatballs)
- Grilled lamb or chicken
- Warm pita or flatbread
- Rice pilaf or bulgur
- Mediterranean mezze platters
It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecue tables, or meal prepping during warmer months.
Piyaz is a shining example of how fresh ingredients and simple techniques can create extraordinary flavor. This Turkish white bean salad is quick, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean brightness. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a light meal, its layers of tangy sumac, creamy beans, and crisp vegetables are sure to win you over. Try it once, and you may find it becoming a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes—cannellini, navy, or great northern beans work beautifully.
2. Do I have to massage the onions?
Massaging helps soften the onion’s bite and infuses the sumac flavor. It’s worth the extra minute!
3. Is Piyaz spicy?
It’s mild but flavorful. Increase Aleppo flakes for more heat.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors improve after chilling for a few hours.
5. What can I serve Piyaz with?
Köfte, grilled chicken, fish, mezze platters, and pita bread all pair wonderfully with this salad.
Piyaz is a bright and refreshing Turkish white bean salad made with sumac onions, tomatoes, butter beans, parsley, and a tangy lemon-vinegar dressing. Healthy, easy, and full of Mediterranean flavor!