Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of Mediterranean flavors! Our Vibrant Greek Bean Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a wholesome delight that comes together in just 15 minutes. Imagine a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, protein-packed beans, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for your next barbecue, or a healthy snack, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this easy recipe and discover how simple it is to bring a taste of Greece to your table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas and kidney beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Prepare the fresh vegetables by washing them carefully. Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- Slice the red bell pepper, removing the seeds and stem, and dice into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber.
- Finely chop the red onion, ensuring the pieces are small and evenly cut to distribute flavor throughout the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas and kidney beans with the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and chopped red onion.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the vegetable and bean mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Chop the fresh parsley, releasing its aromatic oils, and sprinkle over the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to ensure everything is well-coated and mixed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed with additional salt and pepper.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables. Look for crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers to enhance the salad's crunch and color.
- Rinse Your Beans: Don’t skip the rinsing step for your canned chickpeas and kidney beans. This helps reduce sodium levels and improves the overall taste of your salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Olives, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado can elevate the dish and cater to your personal taste.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Perfect Your Dressing: Taste your dressing before pouring it over the salad. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your palate.
- Presentation is Key: Serve the salad in a large bowl and garnish with additional feta cheese and parsley for an eye-catching presentation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
