Piyaz is a fresh and flavorful Turkish white bean salad made with sumac onions, fresh herbs, and butter beans tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. This vibrant dish combines juicy tomatoes, creamy beans, punchy onions, and bright parsley with the tang of red wine vinegar and lemon juice. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and packed with fiber and protein, making it a perfect side salad or light meal with Mediterranean flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons sumac

• 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided

• 3 medium tomatoes, diced (seeds and gel removed to avoid sogginess)

• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained

• 1/4 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 (pul biber)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions, sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use your hands to rub the sumac and salt into the onions for 30-60 seconds.

2. Add diced tomatoes, butter beans, and chopped parsley to the onions and mix gently.

3. Pour in lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss everything together until well combined.

4. Season with black pepper and Aleppo chili flakes to taste.

5. Optionally, cover and let the salad marinate for 20-30 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.

6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Rich in fiber and protein (exact values vary based on portion size and specific ingredients)

• Packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and healthy fats from olive oil

The Cultural and Culinary Roots of Piyaz

Piyaz has a rich cultural heritage in Turkey, where it is traditionally served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or as part of a meze platter. The word “piyaz” is believed to have Persian origins, meaning “onion,” underscoring the significance of onions in this recipe. The salad showcases regional Turkish ingredients and culinary techniques, emphasizing the use of fresh herbs, preserved spices like sumac, and olive oil.

Sumac, a tangy, reddish-purple spice made from dried berries, is a defining feature of Piyaz. Its slightly lemony flavor complements the natural sweetness of the onions and brightens the entire salad. Aleppo chili flakes add a mild warmth and subtle fruitiness, elevating the flavor without overwhelming the freshness of the ingredients.

While variations exist throughout Turkey and neighboring regions, the core components—white beans, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and a lemon-based dressing—remain consistent, making Piyaz an accessible and authentic representation of Turkish home cooking.

Nutritional Benefits of Piyaz

Piyaz is not just flavorful; it’s packed with nutritional value. Butter beans, the star ingredient, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. These beans help promote satiety, support digestive health, and contribute to steady blood sugar levels. Their creamy texture makes them a satisfying base for the salad.

The salad’s abundance of fresh tomatoes and parsley provides a wealth of vitamins, including vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants supporting immune function, skin health, and cellular repair. Tomatoes add lycopene, a compound linked to heart health and cancer prevention.

Olive oil, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Combined with lemon juice and red wine vinegar, the dressing adds bright acidity that enhances flavor while also aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Onions and sumac bring not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making the salad a nutrient-dense option with multiple health benefits.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients and Preparation Techniques

The key to a successful Piyaz lies in the freshness and quality of its ingredients. Using fresh, ripe tomatoes ensures the salad is juicy and flavorful without becoming soggy. Removing the seeds and gel from tomatoes before adding them prevents excess moisture from diluting the dressing, keeping the salad crisp.

The thinly sliced onions, rubbed with sumac and salt, soften slightly while absorbing the spice’s tangy essence, creating a zesty base that contrasts perfectly with the creamy beans. This simple technique releases the onion’s flavor and mellow sweetness, balancing the salad’s overall profile.

Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color, aroma, and herbal brightness, elevating the dish’s freshness and providing an essential flavor contrast to the earthiness of the beans and the acidity of the dressing.

Letting the salad marinate for 20 to 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dish.

Flavor Profile and Texture Harmony

Piyaz is a celebration of balance—between creamy and crisp, sweet and tangy, mild and spicy. The butter beans offer a soft, buttery texture that contrasts with the crunch of fresh onions and the juiciness of tomatoes. The lemon juice and red wine vinegar add brightness and a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the beans.

Sumac’s lemony, slightly tart notes complement the fresh acidity of the dressing, while Aleppo chili flakes bring a gentle heat and smoky depth that awaken the palate without overpowering the other flavors. Black pepper adds a subtle earthiness, rounding out the spice profile.

This interplay of textures and flavors makes Piyaz not only delicious but also exciting to eat, ensuring each bite is fresh and satisfying.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Piyaz is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side salad, or part of a larger spread. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or falafel, making it a staple accompaniment in Turkish and Mediterranean meals.

For vegetarians or those looking for a plant-based meal, Piyaz can be served alongside hearty grains such as bulgur or quinoa, or with warm pita bread to create a more substantial dish.

This salad also works well as part of a mezze platter, accompanied by other dips and salads like hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh, offering a variety of textures and flavors in one meal.

Piyaz can be adapted seasonally by adding other fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes, or topped with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Easy to Make and Store

One of Piyaz’s great advantages is its simplicity and speed of preparation. With minimal cooking required—mainly involving rinsing and preparing ingredients—it’s an easy recipe to prepare any time of the year. It’s especially refreshing during warmer months when fresh produce is abundant.

The salad also stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing flavor or texture, although it’s best consumed within the first day for optimal freshness.

This makes Piyaz ideal for busy individuals or families looking for quick, healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Piyaz fits well into a variety of healthy eating patterns, including vegetarian, vegan (if excluding any non-vegan additions), and Mediterranean diets, all of which are linked to longevity and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Its high fiber and protein content support digestive health and sustained energy levels, while the inclusion of heart-healthy fats from olive oil contributes to cardiovascular well-being. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from sumac, onions, and fresh vegetables further promote overall health.

Because Piyaz is naturally low in calories but high in nutrients, it supports weight management goals and balanced nutrition without feeling restrictive or bland.

Conclusion

Piyaz is a vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful Turkish white bean salad that celebrates the best of Mediterranean ingredients and culinary traditions. Its combination of creamy butter beans, juicy tomatoes, sumac-spiced onions, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette creates a balanced dish bursting with texture, color, and flavor.

Easy to prepare and packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, Piyaz makes a perfect side salad or a light main dish for health-conscious eaters. Its versatility and quick preparation make it an excellent addition to any meal plan, whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.

Embracing Piyaz in your kitchen means welcoming a taste of Turkish culture and Mediterranean freshness—a simple yet sophisticated salad that delights the senses and nourishes the body, making every meal feel like a celebration of wholesome, vibrant food.