The Fresh Flavours of the Catalan Garden in a Mediterranean Dish

Some recipes are born from simplicity and eventually become part of a region’s culinary identity.

Empedrat Vegetal is one of them.

This traditional Catalan-inspired salad brings together white beans, ripe tomatoes, onion, peppers and olives, all dressed with quality extra virgin olive oil. Fresh, nourishing and colourful, it celebrates Mediterranean cuisine in its most natural form.

The name “Empedrat” comes from Catalan and literally means “paved” or “stone-paved.” The name refers to the appearance of the dish, where the beans and vegetables are scattered together like small stones forming an old Mediterranean path.

Although there are different versions of Empedrat in Catalan cuisine, this vegetable interpretation contains no cod, allowing the legumes and fresh vegetables to take centre stage.

Simple, affordable and healthy, it is perfect when you are looking for a light yet satisfying Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500 g cooked white beans
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 1 sweet onion or spring onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 80 g black olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• White wine vinegar or Sherry vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sea salt, to taste

1. The White Beans

If you are using cooked white beans, drain them and gently rinse them under cold water.

Allow them to drain thoroughly.

The beans should remain whole, soft and creamy without breaking apart.

If using dried beans, soak them beforehand and cook until tender. Allow them to cool completely before preparing the Empedrat.

2. The Mediterranean Vegetables

Wash the tomatoes and cut them into small cubes.

Clean the peppers, remove the seeds and cut them into small pieces or thin strips.

Peel the onion and slice it very finely.

The combination of red tomatoes, green and red peppers, onion and black olives gives the dish its beautiful Mediterranean colours and a wonderful variety of textures.

3. Bringing the Empedrat Together

Place the white beans in a large bowl.

Add the tomatoes, peppers and onion.

Add the black olives and fresh parsley.

Gently combine everything.

Do not overmix: the beans should maintain their shape and each vegetable should remain clearly recognisable.

4. The Mediterranean Dressing

Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Add a little vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.

Season with salt to taste.

Mix gently until the olive oil and vinegar lightly coat all the ingredients.

The dressing should be fresh and balanced, allowing the natural flavour of the vegetables to remain at the forefront.

5. The Resting Time

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.

This short resting period allows the flavours to come together and gives the beans time to absorb some of the dressing.

Remove the Empedrat from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving so it is not excessively cold.

Presentation

Serve the Empedrat Vegetal on a Mediterranean ceramic platter or on individual plates.

Arrange the beans and vegetables so that their different colours remain visible.

Finish with black olives, fresh parsley and a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

For a more elegant presentation, use a plating ring and arrange the Empedrat neatly in the centre of each plate.

Serve with slices of toasted pa de pagès, traditional Catalan country bread.

The Secret to a Great Vegetable Empedrat

The secret lies in the quality and balance of the ingredients.

The beans should be creamy while remaining intact.

The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy.

The peppers should provide freshness and a subtle crisp texture.

The onion should be sliced finely enough to blend into the dish without overpowering it.

And the extra virgin olive oil should be of excellent quality, as it plays an essential role in the final flavour.

A Healthy Mediterranean Recipe

Empedrat Vegetal is an excellent choice for those looking for a meal based on natural, plant-forward ingredients.

White beans provide plant-based protein and fibre, while tomatoes and peppers contribute a variety of nutrients and antioxidants.

Because it is served cold and requires virtually no cooking when prepared with ready-cooked beans, it is especially convenient during warmer months.

Enjoy it as a starter, a light main course or as part of a Mediterranean table filled with fresh dishes to share.

The Perfect Accompaniment

The simplest accompaniment is toasted Catalan pa de pagès finished with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.

For an even lighter option, serve the Empedrat alongside a fresh green salad with cucumber and aromatic herbs.

A few fresh basil or mint leaves can also add an extra layer of freshness.

Alcohol-Free Pairing

A Fresh and Dry Catalan 0.0% White

Empedrat Vegetal pairs beautifully with a fresh, dry Catalan 0.0% alcohol-free white, with good acidity and a clean finish.

A 0.0% Xarel·lo can be an excellent choice, complementing the creamy texture of the beans and the freshness of the vegetables without overwhelming their delicate flavours.

Another elegant possibility is a 0.0% alcohol-free Brut Cava, served well chilled. Its bubbles add lightness and help refresh the palate after each bite.

Ideal Serving Temperature

Serve the 0.0% white wine at 8–10°C.

For the 0.0% Brut Cava, approximately 6–8°C is ideal.

Vichy Catalan: Refreshing and Mediterranean

For a completely alcohol-free, refreshing and lighter option, serve well-chilled Vichy Catalan sparkling water with a few fresh lemon slices.

Its natural effervescence pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the white beans and the freshness of the tomatoes and peppers.

For an even lighter and healthier alternative, serve still or sparkling mineral water with lemon, fresh mint or basil.

A simple, hydrating and natural pairing that keeps the entire experience fresh, light and unmistakably Mediterranean.

A Simple Dish with Plenty of Personality

White beans, tomatoes, peppers, onion, olives and olive oil.

Nothing more.

And yet, together they create a small expression of Mediterranean cuisine: quality ingredients, simplicity, colour and balance.

Empedrat Vegetal proves that healthy food does not have to be boring, and that traditional recipes can continue to inspire a modern and conscious approach to eating.

Fresh for summer.

Light enough for everyday dining.

Elegant enough for a Mediterranean table.

Empedrat Vegetal.
The essence of the Catalan garden, transformed into a fresh, healthy and flavourful Mediterranean dish.

Copyright © 2016-2026 Magic Dreams Barcelona.