This colorful Mediterranean bean salad is packed with healthy beans, crunchy veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s dressed with olive oil and lemon for a crisp and tasty flavor!
Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s so easy to whip up. I often make a big batch to enjoy all week. Plus, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge—like it’s marinating its goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cannellini Beans: These white beans are creamy and add a lovely texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with great northern beans or navy beans. Both will work well without altering the overall flavor too much.
Red Kidney Beans: These add a pop of color and protein. You can swap them for black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different taste or can’t find kidney beans.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness make this salad shine. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work too, just remember to remove excess seeds.
Olives: Kalamata olives lend a great flavor. If they’re not your favorite, you could use green olives or even leave them out altogether for a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty punch. For a lactose-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with salt, or omit it altogether for a lighter salad.
How Do I Make the Dressing for This Salad?
Creating a delicious dressing is key to bringing this Mediterranean Bean Salad together! Here’s how you can do it:
- In a small bowl, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything well until it’s blended smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste—sometimes a little more vinegar or salt is all you need to enhance the flavor!
Let this dressing sit for a few moments before pouring it over your salad, allowing the flavors to come together nicely! This makes a huge difference in the overall taste.
How to Make Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced (Kalamata or black olives)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Mediterranean bean salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-30 minutes to let the flavors mix together. In total, you’re looking at about 25-40 minutes before you can enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans and Veggies:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and red kidney beans. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together so they are mixed well.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This delicious dressing will bring all the flavors together, so whisk until it’s well combined and slightly emulsified.
3. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the mixed bean and vegetable salad. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and carefully fold it into the salad. Let the salad sit for about 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your fresh, vibrant Mediterranean bean salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini and red kidney beans are delicious, you can substitute them with other beans like black beans, chickpeas, or pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the salad!
How Can I Substitute Fresh Ingredients?
If you don’t have fresh parsley or bell pepper, you can feel free to replace them with other herbs like cilantro or basil, and veggies like celery or shredded carrots. The key is to keep the crunch and flavor profile similar!
How Long Will This Salad Keep in the Fridge?
This Mediterranean Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the veggies may lose some crunchiness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them a few hours before serving for the best flavor and freshness. This way, your veggies stay crisp and vibrant!
