Description
A vibrant and zesty Mediterranean bean salad packed with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and tangy feta, all tossed in a bold homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 19 oz cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- 19 oz kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 oz chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 cucumber (diced)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Add minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
2. Prepare the vegetables by dicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the bell pepper, thinly slicing the red onion, and halving the olives. Chop parsley and basil, keeping basil separate.
3. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. Add cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat.
5. Gently fold in the basil and crumbled feta just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Letting the dressing sit briefly enhances flavor as the garlic mellows and spices hydrate.
Add basil and feta at the end to preserve freshness and texture.
This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1775
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 120g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 90g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 120g
- Fiber: 25g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 40mg