This colorful Mediterranean Bean Salad is packed with tasty beans, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s healthy, quick, and perfect for any meal!
Honestly, it’s so good you might want to eat it straight from the bowl! I love making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Enjoy it as a side or a light lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cannellini and Garbanzo Beans: These beans are packed with protein and fiber. If you can’t find cannellini beans, white kidney beans or navy beans work well. For garbanzo beans, you could try black beans for a different twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can substitute with regular tomatoes diced into small pieces. Grape tomatoes are also a good alternative!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a sweet crunch. If you’re allergic to bell peppers, you can use diced zucchini or carrots instead for a similar texture.
Kalamata Olives: These olives provide a rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, green olives can be used instead. Just remember they’ll change the overall flavor a bit.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a nice tang. For a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. Just remember that the textures will differ.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Has the Best Flavor?
To get the tastiest Mediterranean bean salad, focus on balancing the flavors. The dressing is key here. Whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper together until well combined. Taste it as you go; you may want to add more vinegar for tang or more oil for richness.
- Combine all the fresh ingredients in a large bowl, but be gentle when adding the feta to avoid crumbling it too much.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste.
- Before serving, give it a final taste test. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
How to Make Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup 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 refreshing Mediterranean Bean Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Perfect for a quick salad or as a side for your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the drained cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped Kalamata olives. Make sure everything is mixed well, so each bite is packed with flavor!
2. Add Feta Cheese and Parsley:
Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley into the bean mixture. This will add a nice creaminess and a burst of freshness to the salad.
3. Prepare 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 enhance all the wonderful flavors in your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the bean salad and gently toss everything together until it’s nicely coated. Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a bit more salt or pepper if you like!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Bean Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini and garbanzo beans are great choices, you can substitute them with kidney beans, black beans, or even pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
If you want to make this Mediterranean Bean Salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a tasty option to give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor may deepen over time, making it even more delicious! Just give it a good toss before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and let the flavors meld for an even tastier dish when you’re ready to serve!
