This refreshing Mediterranean Bean Salad is packed with tasty ingredients like chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for sunny days!
I love how colorful this salad is! It’s like a party on your plate. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—perfect for when you’re feeling lazy but still want something healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cannellini Beans: These white beans are creamy and mild in flavor, perfect for salads. If you can’t find them, great northern beans or even chickpeas work well as substitutions.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor. You can use any variety of small tomatoes, like grape or even diced larger tomatoes if needed.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber gives a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a different texture, try using bell pepper or zucchini instead.
Kalamata Olives: These add a salty flavor. Black olives or green olives can be good substitutes if kalamata olives are not available.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a vegan feta or simply skip it for a lighter salad.
How Do I Get The Best Flavor From The Dressing?
The dressing is key to tying all the ingredients together. To make it great:
- Start with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for rich flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad and balances the flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Whisk the dressing well to combine all ingredients. You can also shake them together in a jar for convenience.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust it to your liking by adding more lemon or salt.
Don’t forget that letting the salad sit after mixing allows the flavors to blend nicely. Enjoy the vibrant tastes!
Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Estimate:
This refreshing salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you can make it ahead of time and let the flavors blend beautifully!
Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and sliced kalamata olives. This colorful mix is the base of your salad!
2. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. The feta brings creaminess and tang, while the parsley adds a fresh taste.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. This dressing will tie all the flavors together.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Make sure to cover everything well for the best flavor!
5. Toss and Taste:
Gently toss everything together to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light meal or a refreshing side dish.
This Mediterranean Bean Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with great flavors and textures—perfect for a healthy and easy dish! Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a time-saver and work perfectly for this salad. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Your Mediterranean Bean Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like avocado, artichoke hearts, or bell pepper. Just keep the ratios balanced to maintain the salad’s overall flavor!
