Mediterranean White Bean Tomato Salad (Printable)
Creamy white beans, cherry tomatoes and basil dressed in lemon-olive vinaigrette - bright, quick, and protein-rich.
# List of ingredients:
→ Salad
01 - 2 cups (1 can, 15 oz) cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
02 - 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
04 - 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
07 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 - In a large salad bowl, add the white beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, cucumber, and basil leaves.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 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 dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss with a large spoon to ensure even coating.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, if desired.
05 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Each bite delivers an energizing mix of textures and bright Mediterranean flavors, perfect for warm days when you crave something refreshing.
- It's a real lifesaver as a satisfying plant-based meal or a quick upgrade to weeknight dinners—plus leftovers only get tastier.
02 -
- I learned the hard way not to overdress the salad—too much vinaigrette and the beans break down and everything gets soggy fast.
- The salad actually tastes even better if you make it a little ahead and let it chill (about 30 minutes works like magic).
03 -
- Always taste the dressing before adding to the salad—everyone’s lemons and feta vary in saltiness and tartness.
- Save a few basil leaves for the very top for that irresistible fresh-herb aroma as you dig in.