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Mediterranean Bean Salad

This vibrant bean salad combines a variety of canned beans with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a bright, herbaceous dish with a Mediterranean flair. The salad has a fresh, slightly chunky texture, with colorful beans and aromatic herbs that pop with flavor and brightness. It’s a quick, no-cook recipe perfect for warm days or as a healthy side.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can mixed beans drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 1 whole lemon juiced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced thinly
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons and lemon squeezer

Method
 

  1. Drain and thoroughly rinse the canned mixed beans in cold water, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. This helps remove excess salt and canned flavor.
  2. Using a lemon squeezer, extract the juice from the lemon and pour it into a small bowl or directly into the large bowl with the beans.
  3. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified, smelling bright and fragrant.
  4. Chop the fresh parsley and mint very finely and add them to the bowl along with the sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the beans.
  5. Gently fold the herbs and green onions into the beans using a spoon or spatula, ensuring everything is coated with the bright lemony dressing.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Give the salad a final gentle toss, then serve in shallow bowls or on a platter, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy the fresh, herbaceous flavors and vibrant colors.

Notes

For an even nuttier flavor, soak dried beans overnight and cook until tender before adding to the salad. Make ahead for deeper flavor, but add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum brightness.