Description
A refreshing and flavorful Easy White Bean Salad featuring cannellini beans, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a bright lemony dressing with Middle Eastern spices. Perfect as a quick, nutritious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed well
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 10 oz grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 15 to 20 mint leaves, chopped
Dressing & Seasonings
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Za’atar
- ½ tsp Sumac
- ½ tsp Aleppo pepper
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Early Harvest EVOO recommended)
- Feta cheese, optional
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed white beans, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, chopped green onions, parsley, and chopped mint leaves. Mix gently to combine all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Add Lemon Zest and Seasonings: Sprinkle the lemon zest over the salad. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Then add the Middle Eastern spices: za’atar, sumac, and Aleppo pepper, distributing them evenly across the mixture.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Pour the fresh lemon juice over the salad, followed by a generous drizzle of 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all components evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Rest for Best Flavor: For enhanced flavor, let the salad sit in the dressing for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the beans and vegetables to absorb the aromatic spices and citrus.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours for convenience; add the fresh herbs and feta just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Za’atar can be substituted with a mix of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac if unavailable.
- If Aleppo pepper is not accessible, a mild chili powder or smoked paprika can be used for a subtle heat and smoky flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The salad is gluten free and suitable for a low-fat, Mediterranean-inspired diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
