Imagine a salad that transports you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline with just one bite - this White Bean, Black Olive, and Basil Salad is your culinary ticket to flavor paradise! Packed with vibrant ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette, this dish isn't just a side; it's a taste adventure that will revolutionize your meal prep and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a flavor enthusiast, this recipe promises to be your new go-to dish that's both incredibly simple and mind-blowingly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium from the canned beans. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Pit the black olives if not already pitted, then slice them into thin, uniform rings. Add the sliced olives to the bowl with the white beans.
- Finely chop the fresh basil leaves, ensuring they are cut into small, fragrant pieces. Mince the red onion into very fine, delicate pieces to prevent overpowering the other ingredients.
- Add the chopped basil and minced red onion to the bowl with the beans and olives.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean, olive, and herb mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate.
- Use fresh, high-quality basil for the most aromatic experience.
- Choose pitted black olives to save preparation time.
- For extra richness, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Serve at room temperature to enhance the olive oil and balsamic vinegar flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
