Description
A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Bean Salad combining three types of beans with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. This healthy and easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped fine
- 3/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped fine
Extras
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, optional
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini, optional
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1-1/2 lemons
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Ground pepper and sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, finely chopped red onion, celery, peeled and chopped cucumber, chopped Italian parsley, fresh basil, chopped tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Kalamata olives (if using), and pepperoncini (if using). Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined. Alternatively, you can add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to emulsify.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Chill Salad: Refrigerate the salad for 45 to 60 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes before serving.
- Optional ingredients like Kalamata olives and pepperoncini add an extra flavor dimension but can be omitted if preferred.
- This salad is excellent as a make-ahead dish and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs such as mint or oregano to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, natural taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
