Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean white bean salad featuring creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. This easy, healthy, and versatile recipe is perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or meal prep staple, bursting with fresh Mediterranean goodness.
Ingredients
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and drain the cannellini beans thoroughly under cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the English cucumber, finely dice the red bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion. Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the cannellini beans.
Step 3: Chop the fresh herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and fresh basil. Add them to the bowl with the beans and vegetables.
Step 4: Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
Step 5: Add the aromatics and seasoning to the dressing: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Combine and toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the cannellini bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the beans.
Step 7: Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 2-3 hours. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving. This recipe is fantastic for meal prep as the flavors deepen overnight. You can easily add grilled chicken or feta cheese for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sides & Salads
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg