Mediterranean White Bean Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side. Packed with crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy olives, it’s easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 fluid ounce) can white (cannellini) beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 mini cucumbers or 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 ounces little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine the white beans, chopped cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the dried oregano over the salad, then drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the oil or vinegar if desired.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter, citrusy twist.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra fragrance and flavor.
• Include a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the salad contains fresh vegetables and cheese, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If stored, stir gently before serving, as dressing may settle. Avoid freezing as texture will degrade.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soaked and cooked white beans can be used. Just ensure they are fully tender and cooled before combining with the other ingredients.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, crusty bread, or as part of a mezze platter for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Mediterranean White Bean Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

A light and refreshing Mediterranean White Bean Salad featuring tender cannellini beans, crisp cucumbers, sweet little tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with aromatic herbs. Perfect as a quick lunch or a side dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 (15 fluid ounce) can white (cannellini) beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 mini cucumbers (or 1/2 English cucumber), chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 10 ounces little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chopped cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, halved little tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and dried oregano into a large salad bowl.
2. Add Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the ingredients in the bowl to dress the salad evenly.
3. Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season & Adjust: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust the olive oil or vinegar quantity according to your preference.
5. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together for enhanced taste.

Notes

• For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to elevate the taste.
• Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts or capers for variation.
• This salad is excellent as a light meal or a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Mediterranean white bean salad, cannellini bean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian Mediterranean recipe, easy lunch salad