Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto

Introduction

I first made this dish as a last-minute dinner when I was looking for something light, yet satisfying, and bursting with flavor. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the combination of creamy butter beans, tangy ricotta, and fresh, aromatic basil pesto came together. The best part? It’s an incredibly versatile recipe. Whether served warm or cold, it’s perfect for any season, making it an excellent option for both quick weeknight dinners or elegant summer parties. My family absolutely loved it, and the leftovers were just as delicious the next day. The richness of the ricotta paired with the herby, zesty pesto and the buttery texture of the beans was a delightful combination, and everyone kept coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto

This Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

1. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in a flash. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish for lunch or dinner.

2. Versatile

Whether you want to serve it hot as a hearty meal or cold as a refreshing salad, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion. You can even make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a quick snack or side dish the next day.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with butter beans, which are high in fiber and protein, this dish makes a great plant-based meal. The basil pesto provides a rich source of antioxidants, while ricotta cheese offers a creamy texture and a boost of calcium.

4. Flavorful

The bright, aromatic basil pesto, creamy ricotta, and zesty lemon are the perfect combination of flavors. The butter beans add a wonderful texture that absorbs all the flavors, creating a satisfying, well-balanced dish.

5. Customizable

This dish is incredibly easy to adapt. You can make it vegan by swapping ricotta for a dairy-free alternative and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can even switch the butter beans for chickpeas or any other beans you prefer!

6. Perfect for Entertaining

Because this dish looks beautiful when plated and is full of vibrant colors, it’s an excellent option for entertaining guests. It pairs well with crusty bread, making it a great starter or side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

• 1 large bunch of fresh basil (roughly 15g)
• A handful of toasted pine nuts
• 1 garlic clove, crushed (or a small bunch of wild garlic if in season)
• 25g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegan alternative)
• 4–5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve

For the Butter Beans:

• 1 jar of butter beans (drain half the liquid)
• 250g ricotta cheese (or vegan alternative)
• 1 lemon, zest and juice

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty bread (for dipping)

Instructions

Make the Basil Pesto:

1. Add the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, crushed garlic (or wild garlic if using), grated Parmesan cheese, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil into a blender or food processor.
2. Blitz until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to loosen it and bind the ingredients together.

Prepare the Butter Beans:

Hot Option:

1. Drain half the liquid from the jar of butter beans.
2. Pour the beans and the remaining liquid into a frying pan and warm over low heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the pan.

Cold Option:

1. Drain the butter beans and serve them directly without heating. This option works beautifully if you’re making a fresh salad or serving this dish in warmer weather.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Spoon the warmed butter beans onto a large serving platter.
2. Dollop the ricotta cheese generously over the beans.
3. Drizzle the fresh basil pesto generously over the top of the beans and ricotta.
4. Grate the zest of one lemon over the dish and drizzle the lemon juice for a zesty finish.
5. Season with a crack of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 plate (with approximately 1/4 of the recipe)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 25mg (if using dairy ricotta)
• Sodium: 280mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 3mg

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used, such as ricotta cheese and the type of pesto.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (if serving hot)
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes

This dish can be made in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights or meal prep.

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How to Serve

This Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto dish can be served in various ways depending on your preferences or the occasion:

• As a Main Dish: Serve as a light but filling main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or seafood for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.
• As a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve it cold as a refreshing salad, especially during warmer months.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or toasted baguette for a complete meal that’s perfect for dipping.
• For Entertaining: Serve as part of a shared platter at a dinner party or barbecue, and let guests enjoy the vibrant flavors together.

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Additional Tips

1. Make the Pesto Ahead: The pesto can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will keep the flavors vibrant and ready for use when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
2. Use Seasonal Greens: While basil is classic for pesto, you can mix things up by adding spinach, kale, or wild garlic if it’s in season for a different flavor profile.
3. Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, swap the ricotta for a dairy-free ricotta made from almonds or tofu. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
4. Add Extra Veggies: For a heartier dish, you can add some sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or zucchini alongside the butter beans for added flavor and texture.
5. Store Leftovers: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re serving it cold, it can be enjoyed as a delicious bean salad the next day.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make the pesto without pine nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds if needed.

2. Can I use frozen butter beans?

Frozen butter beans will work just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bread for serving, the entire dish is gluten-free.

4. Can I make the pesto without Parmesan?

Yes, you can either omit the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely! While butter beans work perfectly, you can swap them for chickpeas, cannellini beans, or any other white bean.

6. How long can I store the pesto?

The pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Is this dish vegan?

It can be made vegan by using dairy-free ricotta and vegan Parmesan.

8. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pesto and beans ahead of time. Just assemble the dish before serving.

9. What other cheeses can I use instead of ricotta?

You can use feta, goat cheese, or even a soft cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.

10. Can I make the beans spicier?

Yes, you can add chili flakes to the beans or the pesto for an extra kick of spice.

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Conclusion

This Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto dish is an easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious meal that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re serving it hot or cold, it’s a satisfying option that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes. The creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil pesto create a beautiful harmony of flavors, and the butter beans offer a wonderful texture that ties everything together. Simple to make, yet full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation, whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend

gathering with friends. Enjoy!

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