Mediterranean Bean Salad

A protein-packed, extremely satisfying dish, Mediterranean Bean Salad is filled to the brim with flavor and charm!

Why We Love It

I've recently become obsessed with beans--like, to the point where I'm literally gaga over them. I am not a vegetarian, but I totally get how beans are an excellent meat replacement and why they're used so often in vegetarian and vegan dishes. They're protein packed, low-fat and absolutely delicious.

They're also full of character--don't you think? Each kind of bean has its own personality and flavor--from the robust and proud, deep red kidney bean to the short and stout versatile garbanzo bean (a.k.a. chickpea)--you can't go wrong with adding them to so many dishes!

And let's talk chickpeas for a minute, shall we? Because seriously--how great are they?! I just can't get enough of them! Good thing my wholesale club sells them in a 12 pack because I'm currently devouring 2 cans of them a week. Sometimes I'm tossing them in salads, and other times I'm eating them plain as a side and even as a snack.

And while I haven't done it yet, I am definitely planning on roasting them soon (because how could that NOT be good?) and also trying them in a homemade hummus (one of my favorite dips of all time).

But for now, let's focus on this delicious Mediterranean Bean Salad. You've probably realized by this point that this salad came to fruition during the height of my chickpea obsession. It's flavor packed with everything I love: beans, cucumber, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, feta cheese, olive oil and more. I've been whipping up a batch of this on the weekend and then eating it throughout the week for lunch! It hits the spot every time and is definitely my go-to salad at the moment!

Why You'll Love It

Mediterranean Bean Salad is a beautifully robust, deliciously satisfying salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. And because it has almost every color of the rainbow, it is EXTREMELY eye-catching at picnics and potlucks. Did I mention how super easy this is to make? If you can chop, mix and open a few cans, you can make this salad! It keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge too, giving you many opportunities to enjoy it throughout the week.

The only thing to feel guilty about with Mediterranean Bean Salad is if you haven't tried it yet!

Love tossing feta on salads? Check out Asparagus Tomato Salad and English Cucumber Salad!

Mediterranean Bean Salad Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, quartered and chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 2 vine ripe tomatoes (about 1 cup when diced)
• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (can substitute fresh parsley or dill)
• 1/4 cup extra virign olive oil
• 1 tablespoon McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning (contains paprika, poppy seed, celery seed, cheese cultures, buttermilk powder and more)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

How to make Mediterranean Bean Salad

You'll want to gather the following equipment:

• large mixing bowl
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• cutting board
• chef's knife
• garlic mincer
• colander
• mixing spoons

Before starting:

• Quarter and chop cucumbers into 1 inch pieces
• Dice pepper, tomatoes, celery and onion
• Mince garlic
• Finely chop fresh cilantro

In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumber and diced bell pepper; mix.

Add the diced tomatoes; mix.

Next, add the kidney beans and chickpeas; gently stir.

Add the diced celery, onion and minced garlic; gently stir.

Then add the cilantro and Pinch Perfect seasoning; mix well.

Drizzle the olive oil on top and gently fold it into the salad.

Add the crumbled feta and gently stir.

Then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to blend flavors. I strongly encourage you not to skip this step! This salad tastes so much better after it's had a chance to marinate!

Toss before serving and enjoy!

Mediterranean Bean Salad makes a delicious meal all on its own, but it can also be enjoyed as a side with rice and/or grilled chicken or salmon!

Mediterranean Bean Salad Leftovers?

Refrigerate and enjoy within 5 days. The salad will lose some of its luster the longer it sits due to all the juices from the tomato, peppers and cucumber, but will still taste delicious! You can always spruce it up with some additional Pinch Perfect, garlic and feta cheese!