This bright Mediterranean bean salad is packed with yummy flavors! With colorful beans, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s a tasty and healthy side dish or a light meal.
It’s super easy to make, and I love how fresh it tastes! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies when you’re craving something delicious. Bring it to BBQs, and watch it disappear! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini or navy beans work well here for their creamy texture. If you’re looking for a change, try chickpeas instead, which add a nice bite and flavor.
Black Beans: Essential for color and protein, you could swap these for pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer those. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness is perfect for this salad. If out of season, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes, but fresh is always best!
Bell Peppers: Red and green add crunch and flavor. You can mix and match with yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter touch to your salad.
Feta Cheese: I love the tangy burst it adds. If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan feta or nutritional yeast can fill that gap beautifully.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Salad?
Getting the right flavor in your Mediterranean Bean Salad relies on proper mixing and letting it chill. The dressing is key—whisking olive oil, vinegar, and oregano together blends the flavors nicely. Here’s how to ensure great taste:
- Combine all your bean and veggie ingredients in a large bowl first.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dressing well so that the flavors meld.
- Gently fold in the dressing after tossing the salad ingredients to coat evenly.
- Allow the salad to chill—this time is vital! It lets the ingredients absorb the dressing.
How to Make Mediterranean Bean Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to blend together beautifully, making the salad even more delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Beans and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed white beans, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, chopped black olives, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Use a spatula or a spoon to gently mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add the dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined and a little creamy.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the beans!
4. Add the Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and lightly stir to mix it in without breaking the cheese too much. This adds a wonderful flavor to your salad!
5. Chill and Serve:
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Bean Salad!
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead of Canned Beans?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak about 1 cup of dried beans (like cannellini and black beans) overnight, then cook them according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse before adding them to the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice for tang. Alternatively, goat cheese makes a great substitute if you want a similar flavor profile.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Mediterranean Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but be aware that the vegetables may soften a bit over time!
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables you enjoy, like cucumber, zucchini, or even some spinach. Just keep the proportions about the same so the texture remains balanced!
