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Mediterranean Bean Salad

This vibrant Mediterranean Bean Salad combines tender beans, briny olives, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a bright lemony vinaigrette. It features a fresh, hearty texture with colorful, juicy ingredients that come together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. The final dish is a refreshing, slightly tangy salad with a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can can canned beans (such as cannellini or chickpeas) rinsed well
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cucumber diced
  • 1/4 red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup briny olives pitted, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil good quality
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove clove garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly under cold water to wash away excess salt and canning liquid. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Add all the fresh vegetables to the beans in the bowl, creating a colorful mixture.
  3. Slice the briny olives and sprinkle them over the vegetable mixture, adding a salty, oily flavor component.
  4. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl, brightening the dish with fresh, aromatic greens.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
  7. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula, coating all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. The salad should look vibrant and slightly glossy.
  8. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for brightness and balance.
  9. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or refrigerate for up to a day, then bring to room temperature before serving.
  10. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the flavors and enjoy this fresh, colorful dish.