Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your everyday meal into a Mediterranean feast? This White Bean Salad is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant, refreshing explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine a dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it will become your go-to recipe for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or when you're craving something light and nutritious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring all excess liquid is removed.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, creating uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, consistent pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Chop fresh parsley leaves, discarding the thick stems, to create a fine, aromatic herb garnish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and fresh lemon juice to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice mixture over the bean and vegetable mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even coating with the dressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, optionally garnishing with additional fresh parsley.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture. Pat them dry to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Tomato Technique: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes and cut them uniformly to ensure each bite is consistent and visually appealing.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the herbs and dressing to infuse the beans and vegetables with maximum flavor.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant taste.
- Optional Upgrades: Consider adding crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, or a sprinkle of sumac for an extra Mediterranean touch.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is versatile—serve it as a side dish, light lunch, or even as a topping for grilled proteins.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
