Mediterranean White Bean Salad: A Refreshing, Heart-Healthy Feast in 15 Minutes

Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Introduction

Want a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor, loaded with nutrition, and effortlessly simple to throw together? This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is the answer. Combining creamy white beans with crisp vegetables, zesty herbs, and a bright lemony dressing, this salad delivers a satisfying meal or side that’s perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or a quick lunch on the go.

Deliciously Unique Mediterranean White Bean Salad

What makes this salad exceptional is the medley of textures and flavors: the beans add a soft, creamy base; juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zippy red onions add freshness; while olives and feta cheese bring a salty, tangy punch that ties everything together. The hint of lemon and olive oil highlights the Mediterranean spirit—refreshing, vibrant, and so versatile.

Preparing the Perfect Mediterranean Dressing

For the dressing, you only need extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together for a bright and tangy vinaigrette that balances the richness of the beans and feta. For an extra layer of flavor, add a touch of dried oregano or mint. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Assembling Your Mediterranean White Bean Salad

After prepping your ingredients, it’s all about layering: Start with the beans, add the chopped vegetables, then toss everything generously with dressing. Finish with crumbled feta, olives, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. The longer the salad sits, the more the flavors infuse—making it ideal for make-ahead meals or picnic fare.

Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It shines as a light lunch on its own, or as a vibrant side at a summer cookout. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or warm pita bread for a more substantial meal. For extra flair, garnish with toasted pine nuts or an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 250–300 calories, brimming with fiber, plant protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s a guilt-free dish that supports a balanced Mediterranean diet.

Deliciously Unique Mediterranean White Bean Salad (Recap)

Mediterranean White Bean Salad boasts a harmony of creamy, crispy, tangy, and fresh elements—all in one bowl. It’s a crowd-pleasing, heart-healthy recipe that fits easily into any meal plan.

Ingredients

2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section — perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the rinsed and drained white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine and coat all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill. Toss lightly again.
  5. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately at room temperature.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad is a meal prep favorite—it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days and packs easily for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan and have CookifyAI generate a comprehensive shopping list grouping all your ingredients by store section.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates ingredient quantities for all your planned meals
  • Organizes shopping lists for fast, efficient grocery trips
  • Prevents duplicate purchases and missing items
  • Makes healthy meal prep a breeze for you and your family

Pro tip: When planning for the week, schedule multiple recipes and see where ingredient overlaps occur. For example, use leftover parsley, lemon, and feta in other Mediterranean favorites, reducing food waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

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