Mediterranean White Bean Salad

I made this fresh and tangy Mediterranean white bean salad recipe for lunch, and my husband and I couldn’t get enough of it. I was excited to use one of my homegrown candy cane peppers in this delicious and healthy salad, but you can also use a red bell pepper if you prefer. The combination of the creamy white beans, the crispness of the cucumber, pepper, and onion, the freshness from the herbs, and the tangy vinaigrette was delicious. This delicious white bean salad paired nicely with a steamed artichoke and some crusty olive bread.

Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• Pinch of sugar, if desired
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper

White Bean Salad:

• 1 (15 oz) can of white cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
• ½ large English cucumber, chopped
• ¼ red onion, sliced thinly   ***If the onion is strong in flavor, soak the slices in ice water for a few minutes, then dry before adding to salad.
• 1 small candy cane pepper, chopped *Red bell pepper works too!
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• Feta cheese, to taste, at serving

How to Make Mediterranean White Bean Salad

Make the vinaigrette by combining the olive oil, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste in a small jar. Seal with a lid, shake well, and set aside to allow the flavors time to mingle.  Side Note: We like a tangy vinaigrette; if you don’t, add more olive oil to taste.

Prepare the salad by placing the drained and rinsed white beans in a serving bowl. Add the cucumber, red onion, red pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh dill, then season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Drizzle with the well-whisked vinaigrette and toss to coat evenly. Set aside in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.

Serve with feta cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy.