Description
Mediterranean white bean salad celebrates fresh ingredients with robust herbal notes and zesty lemon dressing. Quick preparation delivers a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, aromatic emulsion.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, gently mix white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber chunks, chopped parsley, and basil leaves, creating a vibrant medley of textures and colors.
- Dress and Finish: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the bean mixture, carefully folding to distribute the dressing evenly without bruising the delicate ingredients. Crown the salad with crumbled feta cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Present chilled or at room temperature as a versatile side dish or light, refreshing meal.
Notes
- Boost Bean Texture: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve overall taste and texture.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or use plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Enhance Freshness: Use room temperature ingredients and freshly chopped herbs to maintain vibrant colors and maximize natural flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg