White Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs and Feta Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make White Bean Salad featuring creamy cannellini beans, crunchy celery, zesty red onion, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a bright olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad comes together quickly with simple ingredients and offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 (14 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and/or basil), chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced celery, diced red onion, chopped fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss again thoroughly until everything is well coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
- Serve or store: The salad can be enjoyed immediately for its fresh flavors or transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld further.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on availability and preference; cilantro or chives also work well.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats or as a light standalone lunch.
- Ensure beans are well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
