Name: Mediterranean White Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love Mediterranean White Bean Salad Recipe

It comes together in around 15 minutes and uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients—ideal for last‑minute meals or meal prep.
The combination of white beans gives hearty texture and protein, while the fresh vegetables and bright lemon dressing keep it lively and light.
It holds up well in the fridge (thanks to the oil‑based dressing rather than heavy mayo) and even improves in flavour after resting.
It’s versatile—serve it as a side, pack it for lunch, stuff into pita pockets, or elevate it with extra add‑ons for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Optional: ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped, or roasted red peppers, diced)

Directions

Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly.
Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
In a large bowl, combine the white beans, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings.
Prep time: approximately 10 minutes.
Cook time: 0 minutes (no cooking required).
Total time: about 15 minutes.

Variations

To make it vegan: omit the feta or substitute with a plant‑based alternative.
Add crunch: toss in diced bell peppers or sliced radishes.
More protein: add grilled chicken, shrimp, or marinated tofu/tempeh.
Seasonal twist: in cooler months, serve the beans slightly warmed and place over sautéed kale for a heartier dish.
Flavor boost: swap or add roasted red peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, or even roasted eggplant cubes for richer Mediterranean depth.
Dressing variations: try a splash of red wine vinegar, a dash of Dijon mustard, or a sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for a different aromatic profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the dressing is oil‑based, it will keep well—up to 4‑5 days. The flavours often improve with a bit of resting time in the fridge. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss; you may wish to add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil to perk up the flavours. As this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

What ingredients are in Mediterranean white bean salad?

The salad features creamy white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice and olive oil. You can optionally add extras like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for additional flavour.

Can I use canned white beans for this salad?

Absolutely. Canned white beans make the salad quick and convenient. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and brine.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will maintain quality for about four to five days. In fact, the flavours often deepen as it sits.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?

A simple blend of lemon juice and olive oil is classic and effective. For variety, you can add red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, za’atar or sumac, or even a drizzle of tahini for a nutty tang.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes — this is a great meal‑prep friendly dish. Prepare it ahead, let it chill, then serve. If storing for more than a day, you may choose to add the feta just before serving to keep its texture firmer.

Will this salad work as a main dish?

Yes — with its hearty beans and fresh vegetables, it stands confidently as a light main. To make it more substantial, you can serve it over greens, alongside crusty bread, or topped with grilled protein.

Can I substitute other beans for white beans?

You can, but the creamy texture and mild flavour of cannellini or great northern beans make them ideal. If you use a different bean variety, consider how the flavour and texture might change the overall result.

Is this salad suitable for vegan or dairy‑free diets?

Yes — simply omit the feta or replace it with a vegan alternative. The salad remains flavorful, and the beans provide excellent texture and substance.

Can I adjust the flavour for a different region or cuisine?

Definitely. The salad is a flexible canvas — you could add different herbs, swap olives for capers, add sun‑dried tomatoes for an Italian twist, or even add cumin and coriander for a more Middle‑Eastern vibe.

Should I serve the salad chilled or at room temperature?

Both work. Serving it chilled gives a crisp, refreshing feel; at room temperature the flavours will be more pronounced. You might let it sit for a short while after mixing to allow the dressing to soak into the beans and veggies.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean white bean salad is a delicious, easy‑to‑make dish that brings bright freshness and satisfying texture to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a make‑ahead side, or a vegetarian main, it delivers. With minimal prep, wholesome ingredients, and flavorful versatility, it’s a recipe that makes healthy eating both simple and enjoyable.