This colorful Mediterranean bean salad is packed with tasty beans, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s a super easy dish that’s healthy and fresh!
I love how quick it is to throw together. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to enjoy a nutritious meal or side dish. Perfect for lunch or picnics! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Canned cannellini or navy beans are perfect here. If you’re avoiding canned foods, cooked dried beans work too! Black beans or chickpeas are also a good swap if you want a different flavor or texture.
Cucumber: A medium cucumber adds crunch, but if you want, you can use cherry tomatoes for sweetness or even a zucchini for a change.
Red Bell Pepper: The color and sweetness of red bell pepper shine in this salad, but yellow or orange peppers can work as well. You can also use diced celery for an extra crunch.
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a briny taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use green olives or even capers for a similar salty kick.
Pistachios: These nuts add a nice crunch, but feel free to leave them out or substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different texture.
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is crucial for bringing all flavors together! Start with high-quality olive oil for the best taste. Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad, so don’t skip that! Here’s how to make it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove until well blended.
- Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice or vinegar according to your taste.
- If you like, add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Mix very well before adding to the salad. This will ensure that every bite is delicious!
Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved or sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios (optional), roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Mediterranean bean salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Just chop, mix, and let it rest for flavors to blend, making it perfect for quick meals or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed white beans, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped green onions, and chopped pistachios if you’re using them. Stir everything together gently to mix well.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic until it’s well blended. Take a moment to taste it and see if it needs a touch more garlic or lemon juice for your liking!
3. Combine and Season:
Pour the dressing over the bean and veggie mixture and toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Season the salad with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
4. Let It Rest:
To enhance the flavors, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help all the ingredients soak up the delicious dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Mediterranean bean salad either chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-good for you!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini or navy beans are recommended, you can use chickpeas, black beans, or any preferred variety. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the salad!
How Long Will the Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day, but it’s best to enjoy it fresh for the crunchiness of the veggies.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until about 30 minutes before serving to keep the veggies crunchy!
What Can I Substitute for Kalamata Olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives on hand, green olives or even capers are great alternatives. They will add a different flavor but will still complement the salad beautifully!
