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Zesty Bean Salad with Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 74 reviews

This Zesty Bean Salad with Feta is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines a medley of beans, fresh vegetables, and herbs with a tangy lemon and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is loaded with protein, fiber, and bright flavors from feta cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 19 oz cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 19 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Add the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine. Set aside to allow flavors to meld and garlic to mellow.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the kalamata olives. Chop the parsley and basil separately, keeping basil aside to add last to preserve its freshness and color.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. Add all the prepared vegetables except the basil and feta. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the vinaigrette over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat everything well.
  5. Finish and Serve: Gently fold in the chopped basil and crumbled feta cheese just before serving to maintain their delicate flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Notes

  • Rinsing canned beans helps reduce sodium and removes excess starch.
  • Letting the dressing rest enhances the garlic and herb flavors.
  • Add basil last to prevent it from browning and bruising.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead but is best fresh.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: Zesty Bean Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Feta Salad, Easy Bean Salad, Healthy Salad

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/zesty-bean-salad-with-feta-recipe/