Three Bean – Arugula Salad with Grape Leaf Pesto

5 from 1 vote
My photo doesn't do this wonderful salad justice! We were experimenting at Committee, the restaurant in Boston where I am consulting chef, and this winter salad of three types of beans and a Greek-inspired Grape Leaf pesto is the delicious, healthy result! To find some of the artisinal Greek products you'll need to make this, visit my online shop here, where you'll discover a host of lovingly curated Greek ingredients.
5 from 1 vote

Three Bean – Arugula Salad with Grape Leaf Pesto

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked Greek giant beans
  • 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
  • 2 cups cooked cannellini beans
  • 2 cups trimmed baby arugula
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 scallions trimmed and finely chopped
  • Grated zest of one lemon
  • For the pesto
  • 12 brined grape leaves drained, blanched and trimmed
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled and chopped
  • 2/3 cup toasted pine nuts or toasted blanched almonds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup extra virgin Greek olive oil or more as needed

Instructions

  • To cook the beans, soak them overnight then boil separately. Remove when tender but al dente and drain.
  • Rough-chop the grape leaves and place in a food processor with blade attachment. Place the mint, garlic and nuts in the bowl of the processor, too. Pulse until the mixture is a dense paste. Gradually add olive oil, until the resulting sauce is thick but liquid. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Combine the beans, arugula, chopped parsley, scallions and lemon zest in a serving bowl. Pour in and toss the pesto. Serve immediately.

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To garnish the salad, you can take a whole grape leaf and deep-fry it. It's delicious crunchy!

Diane’s Greek Single-origin Artisanal Foods

Visit my online shop for a wide selection of Greek single-origin artisanal foods, from honeys to wild herbs, olives, olive oils, pistachios, heirloom grain products, fruit preserves and more.

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Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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