Name: Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked gigante beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Pinch red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy without any fuss, this Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the zesty lemon juice and the rich, chewy sun-dried tomatoes transform the buttery gigante beans into a vibrant dish that’s perfect any time of year. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: It takes only about 10 minutes of active work, then you let it do its magic in the fridge.
Flavor Bomb: The combination of lemon, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes packs a punch that freshens up the creamy beans perfectly.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Nutritious & Filling: Gigante beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this dish both satisfying and healthy.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with large white beans mixed with small pieces of bright red sun-dried tomatoes and green chopped herbs. The beans look soft and shiny, coated with a light yellow oil. A wooden spoon with a long handle is resting inside the dish on the left side. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a cream and navy striped cloth nearby. The colors are warm and fresh, and the mixture looks well combined and flavorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs,Gigante Bean Salad with Lemon and Sun-Dried Tomatoes,Fresh Herb and Lemon Marinated Beans,Easy Mediterranean Bean Side Dish,Healthy Vegetarian Bean Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends—each one adds a little something special, creating layers of flavor that you won’t want to miss. When shopping, try to find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for that extra burst of richness, and use fresh herbs whenever possible to keep things lively.

Flat lay of large pale beige gigante beans, bright green chopped fresh parsley, deep red sun-dried tomatoes glistening with olive oil, halved fresh lemons showing vibrant yellow juice, whole garlic cloves with papery skin, small pile of golden lemon zest, scattered red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of glossy extra-virgin olive oil, all beautifully arranged and spaced on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs,Gigante Bean Salad with Lemon and Sun-Dried Tomatoes,Fresh Herb and Lemon Marinated Beans,Easy Mediterranean Bean Side Dish,Healthy Vegetarian Bean Recipe

Gigante Beans: Large, creamy beans that hold their shape well and soak up flavors beautifully.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The quality here matters—it adds richness and helps bind all the flavors.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy zing that balances the richness of the beans and oil.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a clean, herbaceous note that’s essential for freshness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Preferably oil-packed, these add chewy texture and a sweet-tart depth.
Garlic Cloves: Provides a subtle pungency that wakes up the whole dish.
Lemon Zest: Enhances the citrus flavor with intense aroma and brightness.
Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a hint of heat that adds complexity.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds that peppery kick that finishes things off perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I often switch up the herbs or add extra veggies depending on what’s in season or what we’re craving.

More Herbs: I sometimes toss in a handful of fresh mint or basil for a different herbal twist that’s absolutely divine in spring.
Vegan Variation: This recipe is naturally vegan. If you want even more texture, try adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
Additional Veggies: Roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini chop in some summer colors and flavors beautifully into the mix.
Spice Level: I like a little heat, so red pepper flakes are my friend, but you can dial it down or skip them if you prefer things milder.

How to Make Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your gigante beans are cooked just right—tender but not mushy. I usually cook mine the day before and keep them refrigerated. Then chop your fresh parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic so everything’s ready to toss together. Having the lemon juiced and zest grated ahead saves you from scrambling at the last minute.

Step 2: Combine All Components in a Big Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, pour the olive oil and fresh lemon juice first—they’re like the dressing base that brings everything together. Add in the chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, salt, red pepper flakes, and a few good twists of freshly ground black pepper. Finally, gently fold in your gigante beans with a spatula, making sure every bean is beautifully coated in that flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Let It Marinate for at Least Two Hours

I discovered this trick when I first made this recipe—it tastes so much better after it rests overnight. Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. This gives all the flavors time to marry and lets the beans soak up the tangy, herby goodness. At minimum, two hours does the job if you’re short on time.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Before Serving

Before serving, give everything a good stir and taste for seasoning—sometimes you might want a little more salt or lemon juice depending on how vibrant you want the flavors. This final step is what makes the difference between good and truly amazing, so trust your palate.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Cook Beans Just Right: I used to overcook the gigante beans until they were mushy, but now I check often and aim for tender yet firm beans—they hold the marinade better this way.
Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring richer flavor and a softer texture; if you only have dry-packed, soak them in warm water first.
Marinate Longer, Taste Better: Don’t rush—this dish tastes significantly brighter and more cohesive after sitting in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Adjust Oil as Needed: Sometimes the beans soak up the olive oil quickly, so don’t hesitate to drizzle in a bit more before serving to keep it luscious.

How to Serve Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley and just a little extra lemon zest. Sometimes, if I want to be fancy, I add a few torn basil leaves or even some thinly sliced scallions for subtle onion flavor and extra color.

Side Dishes

This marinated bean salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roast lamb, or even as a hearty side for Mediterranean-style grain bowls. I often serve it alongside crusty bread or warm pita for scooping up every last bit of lemony goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the marinated gigante beans in a rustic wooden bowl or layered over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole sun-dried tomatoes on top make it pop visually and taste-wise, which always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover marinated gigante beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They hold up well for up to 5 days, though I’ve never had them last longer because they’re usually devoured quickly. Just give them a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this salad because the texture of the fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes changes after thawing, but if you’re in a pinch, you can freeze cooked beans separately and marinate after thawing for best results.

Reheating

This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. If you prefer a warm version, lightly warm the beans on the stove but skip the fresh herbs until after heating so they stay vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use canned gigante beans instead of cooking my own?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and preserve the clean flavors in the marinade.
How long do I need to marinate the beans?

At least two hours in the fridge is a good start, but I highly recommend letting it marinate overnight when possible to let the flavors really meld and deepen.
Can I substitute parsley with another herb?

Absolutely! Fresh cilantro, basil, or even mint are wonderful alternatives—you might find a new favorite combination by experimenting.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! This recipe naturally fits both gluten-free and vegan diets without any modifications, making it a versatile option for all kinds of gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Marinated Gigante Beans with Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs Recipe really feels like a little celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to make something special. I love keeping it around because it’s so easy to whip up for unexpected guests, and my family goes crazy for it every time. Honestly, I think you’ll find it just as addictive once you get a taste of those tender beans swimming in lemony, herby goodness. Give it a try—you’ve got nothing to lose and a whole lot of flavor to gain!