This colorful Mediterranean Bean Salad is packed with yummy flavors! It’s made with beans, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together.
I love how this salad can be a side dish or a main meal. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and perfect for summer picnics. What’s not to love about beans and sunshine? 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cannellini Beans: These white beans are creamy and soft, perfect for adding texture. If you don’t have them, navy beans or great northern beans can work too. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed!
Chickpeas: They add a hearty bite to the salad. If you want a different flavor, you can swap them out for black beans or kidney beans. Both will change the taste slightly but still keep it healthy!
Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumber is fantastic in salads. If you prefer, try using bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist, or even pickles for a zing.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings creaminess and a tangy kick. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or omit it completely. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor substitute!
Olive Oil: This is key for dressing flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or even sunflower oil can replace it. They won’t have the same taste but work just fine.
How Can I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Salad?
Creating a delicious dressing is simple and makes a big difference in flavor. Here’s how to make it just right:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar first. This helps the acidity blend well.
- Add in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. A pinch of each makes it tasty.
- Whisk together until the mixture is smooth. I like to taste-test it to see if I need more seasoning.
- If you have extra time, let it sit for a bit before pouring it on the salad. The flavors get stronger!
Enjoy how easy it is to whip up this dressing and see how it elevates your salad! Remember to toss gently to keep the feta intact.
How to Make Mediterranean Bean Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Bean Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s quick to throw together, and allows the flavors to develop while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, and chopped black olives. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
2. Add Feta and Parsley:
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the salad mixture. Be careful when mixing to keep the feta intact. You want to incorporate it without breaking it apart too much for great texture and delicious bites.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended. This dressing will add a yummy flavor to your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Give the salad a taste and make any adjustments with salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors blend and make the salad super tasty. Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal!
Can I Use Fresh Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh beans, soak and cook them until tender before adding them to the salad. For cannellini beans, soak them overnight and boil for about 1-1.5 hours. Chickpeas require a similar soaking and cooking time, but they may take a little longer. Remember to let them cool before adding to your salad!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for feta cheese, goat cheese or a vegan alternative would work wonderfully! Alternatively, you can use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just crumble or sprinkle it in as you would with feta.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you added the dressing, be sure to stir it before serving as it may separate. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider dressing the portion you plan to eat right before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely, feel free to get creative! Add vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or zucchini to suit your taste. Just make sure they’re diced to similar sizes for even mixing. Bell peppers are a great addition if you want extra crunch and flavor!
