Mediterranean White Bean Tomato Salad (Print Version)
White beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and basil tossed in a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette - light, protein-rich lunch or side.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Vegetables & Beans
01 - 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
02 - 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 large cucumber, diced
04 - ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
→ Herbs
06 - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - ½ tsp dried oregano
12 - ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
13 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - Zest of ½ lemon
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the drained white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, chopped basil, and chopped parsley.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until thoroughly emulsified.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the beans.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Zero cooking required, which means your kitchen stays cool and you stay sane on hot days.
- The white beans make it substantial enough to stand alone as lunch without leaving you hungry an hour later.
02 -
- Underdressed bean salads taste dull, so when in doubt add an extra splash of vinegar and oil rather than serving it shy.
- Letting the salad rest even briefly transforms it from a collection of parts into something cohesive and satisfying.
03 -
- Swap the basil for fresh mint or dill when you want to surprise people who think they know what is coming.
- A pinch of sugar in the dressing rounds out any bitterness from the garlic or vinegar without making it sweet.