It is rare that my lunch is a something I've made before. Lunch is my time to throw together whatever bits and pieces are around. Sometimes these combinations are not good but other times, they turn into delicious meals that I end up sharing here. This tomato bean salad is a perfect example.
I made a similar salad some time back but the addition of fresh tomatoes really upped the overall recipe. I'm also a sucker for these corona beans. They are easily a meal and the perfect star of this recipe. If you're not able to pick up corona beans, the cannellini beans will work. I do, however, recommend cooking them from dried. Some of the canned beans are super soft and fall apart in the salad.
I've not really deviated too much from the recipe that is written above but you do have a few options.
Vegetables: Try the flavors of this bean salad with roasted or grilled summer squash, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower.
Herbs: I like using sage because basil usually gets all the summer attention. However, you could use basil or a bit of thyme in place or with the sage.
Grains: Toss a cup or two of cooked grains into the salad to bulk it up a bit. My favorite additions include quinoa, millet, or the slightly chewier sorghum.
Seasons are changing. As fall and winter approach, it's easy to jump into the excitement of fall produce. However, I hang on to tomatoes for as long as I can! By the time it's December, I'll be missing the fresh, just-off-the-vine taste. So, if you're still swimming in tomatoes, a few other recipes to make before the season ends:
Fried Polenta with Tomatoes and Feta
Za'atar Roasted Tomatoes
Oat Crepes with Tomatoes, Basil, and Goat Cheese
Once you've got sage in there, you should consider adding corn. Martha Rose Shulman turned me on to the sage and corn combination in Entertaining Light (back in 1991). It was an appetizer for parties -- on top of small potatoes -- but it's always been a potato salad around here. Now I'm thinking bean salad for supper, since I've got organic gigandes and corn and a sage plant clamoring for attention.
That would be a perfect addition! I think sage is such a wonderful summer herb- I love the idea of using corn/sage for an app.
This sounds delicious! I've been obsessed with salads this summer, perfect for hot days.