Description
Mediterranean sunshine dances through this Lemony White Bean Salad, blending fresh herbs and zesty citrus. Crisp ingredients and tangy dressing invite you to savor a simple, refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained & rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, diced
Fresh Herbs and Optional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, tangy Dijon mustard, golden honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, fragrant dressing.
- In a generously sized salad bowl, gently fold together creamy white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crisp cucumber chunks, and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley and basil leaves.
- Pour the prepared lemony dressing over the bean mixture, using a delicate folding motion to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without crushing the delicate beans.
- Crumble feta cheese across the top of the salad, and if desired, sprinkle a light dusting of red pepper flakes for an extra hint of warmth and complexity.
- Allow the salad to rest for approximately 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify. Serve either chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality beans for the best texture and flavor, preferably soaking dried beans overnight for a more authentic taste.
- Adjust lemon intensity by adding zest gradually, tasting as you go to prevent overwhelming citrus notes.
- Customize the salad by swapping herbs or adding grilled protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance the depth of flavors and let ingredients meld together perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg