This colorful Mediterranean bean salad is super fresh and healthy! With beans, crunchy veggies, and zesty dressing, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
Making this salad is so simple! I love to whip it up for lunch or serve it as a side at dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for using up leftover veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are a great source of protein. If you can’t find them, kidney beans or chickpeas work well too!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. You can swap them for regular tomatoes diced, but reduce the quantity as they are larger.
Cucumber: For crunch, I love using standard cucumbers. However, English cucumbers are great too, as they have fewer seeds. You can add bell peppers if you’re out of cucumbers.
Kalamata Olives: They deliver a nice briny flavor. If you don’t like olives, you can omit them or use green olives for a different taste.
Feta Cheese: I prefer using feta for its tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, omit it or use vegan feta.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Has the Best Flavor?
The key to good flavor is in the dressing and letting the salad sit. Here’s how to ensure your salad tastes its best:
- Mixing Dressing: Whisk the olive oil and vinegar well to combine flavors. Adding garlic or lemon juice can enhance the dressing.
- Chill Time: After preparing, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the beans and veggies to soak up the dressing.
- Toss Gently: When combining the salad and dressing, do it slowly to avoid mashing the beans.
Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean bean salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Allow at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for chilling to let the flavors meld—perfect for a quick meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Combine the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, chopped kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s mixed well so the flavors blend nicely.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over your colorful bean and veggie mixture. Toss everything gently so that the dressing coats the ingredients without breaking the beans.
4. Add the Feta:
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Give it another gentle mix to get the feta evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time enhances the flavors! When ready to serve, enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s great as a side dish or as a light meal by itself.
Enjoy your fresh, easy Mediterranean bean salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are great for this salad, you can use chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans as alternatives. Just make sure to drain and rinse them beforehand!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Is It Possible to Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, just omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other veggies like spinach, arugula, shredded carrots, or even avocado for extra freshness and flavor!
