Description
A bright, protein-rich Mediterranean bean salad featuring cannellini beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. This easy-to-prepare Mediterranean bean salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a make-ahead potluck contribution.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (or 1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: if using canned beans, drain and rinse well, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the vegetables: fold in halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and Kalamata olives into the bowl with the beans.
- Make the dressing: whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Combine: pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, toss gently to coat. Add crumbled feta and chopped parsley, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest and serve: let the salad sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or chill for up to 2 hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- If the beans seem a little firm, microwave them for 30 seconds before dressing.
- Lemon size can vary; adjust quantity as needed.
- Lightly salt cucumbers and pat dry to keep them crisp.
- Feta can be salty; adjust dressing salt accordingly.
- For variations, consider adding dill, basil, toasted nuts, tuna, or cooked grains like farro or quinoa.
- Store leftovers in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice if it seems dry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers and Snacks, Lunch, Side Dishes
- Method: Salad Preparation
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280cal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg