Egyptian Egg Salad with Tahini, Beans, and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Introduction
Egyptian egg salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender eggs with spiced beans and a tangy tahini dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 400g can borlotti or fava beans, juice reserved
- 2 Little Gem lettuces, cut into wedges
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Sprinkling of dried chilli flakes and roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pan of water to the boil. Lower the eggs into the water and boil for 8 minutes. Drain and run under cold tap water to cool slightly, then peel and halve the eggs.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 3 tablespoons water and the tahini to create a smooth dressing.
- Step 3: Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the ground cumin and cumin seeds, cooking briefly until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the borlotti or fava beans with some of their reserved juice. Lightly crush some beans while heating to create a creamy texture, leaving some beans whole. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice and a little salt if needed.
- Step 6: Arrange the Little Gem lettuce wedges on plates and spoon the warm bean mixture over them.
- Step 7: Top with halved eggs and tomato wedges. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with chilli flakes and chopped parsley if using.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer hard-boiled eggs, boil them for an extra 2 minutes to achieve a firmer yolk.
- Try substituting rapeseed oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the dish’s warmth and depth.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain freshness. Reheat the bean mixture gently on the stove before assembling the salad again.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans instead of borlotti or fava beans?
Yes, you can substitute with cannellini, chickpeas, or any other mild-flavored beans. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of beans used.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
As written, this recipe contains eggs and is not vegan. To make it vegan, omit the eggs and consider adding extra beans or roasted vegetables for protein and texture.
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Egyptian Egg Salad with Tahini, Beans, and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Egyptian egg salad combines soft boiled eggs, creamy beans, and a tangy tahini-lemon dressing for a flavorful and nutritious dish. Featuring warm spiced borlotti or fava beans served alongside fresh lettuce and tomatoes, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish with Middle Eastern flair.
Ingredients
Eggs and Dressing
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp water
Bean Mixture
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 400g can borlotti or fava beans, juice reserved
Salad and Garnishes
- 2 Little Gem lettuces, cut into wedges
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Sprinkling of dried chilli flakes (optional)
- Roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Bring a pan of water to the boil, then gently lower the eggs in and boil for 8 minutes for medium-soft yolks. Drain and run under cold water to cool slightly, then peel and halve. For hard-boiled eggs, boil for an additional 2 minutes.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of water and combine with the tahini until smooth to create a creamy dressing.
- Cook the aromatics: Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry gently for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices and beans: Stir in the ground cumin and cumin seeds briefly to release their aroma, then add the drained beans. Lightly crush some of the beans with the back of a spoon while heating them through, adding reserved bean juice gradually until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency with some whole beans remaining. Taste and adjust seasoning with lemon juice and a pinch of salt if needed.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the lettuce wedges on serving plates, spoon the warm bean mixture on top, then add the halved eggs and tomato wedges. Drizzle with the tahini dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried chilli flakes and chopped parsley if desired for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For firmer hard-boiled eggs, extend the cooking time to 10 minutes instead of 8.
- Rapeseed oil can be substituted with olive oil for a more Mediterranean flavor.
- Use chickpeas if borlotti or fava beans are not available; slightly adjust cooking liquid accordingly.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day.
- The optional chilli flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Keywords: Egyptian egg salad, tahini dressing, borlotti beans, fava beans, Middle Eastern salad, healthy egg recipe, vegetarian salad

