Mediterranean White Bean Tomato Salad (Printable)
Creamy white beans, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Fresh, vibrant, and ready in minutes.
# List of ingredients:
→ Salad
01 - 2 cups canned white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
02 - 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
05 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
06 - ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
10 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
11 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
12 - ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
13 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, torn basil leaves, and halved Kalamata olives.
02 - In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No cooking required, which means your kitchen stays cool and you stay happy.
- The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it the perfect make ahead dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
02 -
- Underseasoning is the most common mistake because cold beans mute salt, so taste and adjust right before serving.
- Letting the salad sit even twenty minutes longer transforms it from good to unforgettable as the tomato juices mingle with the dressing.
03 -
- Dry the beans thoroughly after rinsing because excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad watery at the bottom.
- Use a microplane to grate the garlic into a near paste so it distributes flavor evenly without any harsh chunks.