What accompanies fava beans well in a salad?

I bought fava beans at the market -- along with fennel, sugar snap peas, asparagus, radishes and kale. I wonder if any of you have suggestions for a light salad featuring fava beans. I don't want to get too crazy! I was going to make a lemony basil vinaigrette...

Natalie
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7 Comments

Natalie May 26, 2015
Awesome, thanks for all of the ideas!
 
Priscilla U. May 24, 2015
Fava Beans, Roma Tomato (diced), Sharp Cheddar (micro-diced), Ciabatta Croutons (dice bread and toast in pan with butter or ghee, and salt), fresh Mint & Thyme in a Honey vinaigrette.
 
Miachel P. May 24, 2015
Fava beans + avocado + kumquats + radishes + olive oil + sea salt. Spring salad feast.
 
PieceOfLayerCake May 24, 2015
For something a little different, the fava beans reminded me of a light succotash that I saw on Mind of a Chef. It looks a little daunting, but none of the ingredients are obligatory. Substitute or subtract whatever you like, but the concept is to lightly cook so everything remains fresh.

http://foodthinkers.com/farro-verde-succotash/
 
PieceOfLayerCake May 24, 2015
Fava beans to me are a relatively "rich" salad ingredient so I like to pair them with things that are acidic and bitter like arugula, shaved brussels sprouts, celery greens, fennel, radish, citrus, etc...and since they're soft in texture, I like to include veggies and ingredients with texture such as pear/green apple, pine nuts, slivered almonds, pistachios, black sesame. A zingy dressing doesn't hurt either, but I would go light since favas are so delicate.
 
Nancy May 26, 2015
agreed. a few more suggestions: dill, parsley, fresh young onions (scallion, spring, shallot), cumin &/or cilantro - if you like them (people seem to be strongly for or against), artichoke hearts (cooked and/or marinated), eggplant fried & drained (cubes or slices).
 
Natalie May 24, 2015
Or would you say they go best with grains like noodles or quinoa? I've never cooked with them but they are just so pretty!
 
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