Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean? Look no further! This vibrant Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Feta is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light lunch, this salad comes together in just 10 minutes with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Read on to discover how to whip up this delightful dish and impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) mixed beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned mixed beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness. Allow beans to drain completely in a colander.
- Wash cherry tomatoes and carefully slice them in half using a sharp knife. Ensure uniform size for even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop fresh parsley, removing any thick stems. Add chopped parsley to the bean and tomato mixture.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small, irregular pieces using your fingers or a fork. Sprinkle over the bean and tomato mixture.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean, tomato, parsley, and feta mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.
- 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, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality feta cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes to elevate the flavor of your salad. The freshness of the ingredients makes a significant difference.
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix and match different types of beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, to add variety and texture to your salad.
- Let It Chill: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding diced cucumbers or bell peppers to the salad. This will enhance the texture and make it even more satisfying.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a lovely kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Serve with a Twist: Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 198kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
