Delightful Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

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The Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine a bowl filled with creamy white beans, tangy feta cheese, and the zesty brightness of preserved lemon, all harmonizing together to create a dish that’s refreshing and invigorating.

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Whenever I whip up this salad, I’m instantly transported back to sun-soaked Mediterranean shores, where every meal feels like a celebration. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or just a cozy night in with friends. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be counting down the days until your next Mediterranean getaway.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal
  • The combination of flavors bursts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more
  • Its bright colors will impress anyone at your dinner table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish!

Ingredients for Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Canned White Beans: Use cannellini or great northern beans for their creamy texture and subtle flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty creaminess; opt for high-quality Greek feta for the best flavor.
  • Preserved Lemons: These lend an incredible tartness; look for jarred preserved lemons at specialty stores or make your own.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color; choose vibrant ones for the best visual appeal.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings sharpness; soaking them in water can mellow their taste if desired.
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley or mint provides freshness; using both gives an extra layer of flavor that brightens the salad.
  • Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness and ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up; it’s crucial for balancing flavors in this salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon

How to Make Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon

Getting started on this Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is easier than finding your favorite beach towel after weeks of storage. Just follow these steps!

Prepare the Base: Drain and rinse the white beans under cold water until they’re free of any canned liquid residue. This simple step makes them cleaner and fresher tasting.

Chop Your Veggies: Grab your knife and chop the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the red onion thinly. You want those juicy tomatoes bursting with sweetness in each bite.

Mix in Flavor: In a large bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped herbs. The colors should look like a festive Mediterranean party on your plate!

Add Zest: Chop up those preserved lemons finely—remember to remove any seeds—and add them to the bowl. Their tangy punch will wake up all other flavors.

Dress It Up: Drizzle olive oil over your salad along with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently until everything is well-coated; you want each ingredient mingling together without losing its identity.

Taste Test Time: Give it a taste! Adjust salt or pepper as needed. This is where you can unleash your inner chef—add more lemon juice if you like things zippier!

Let It Chill: Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those robust flavors to mingle properly—it’s worth the wait!

Serve & Enjoy: When ready to eat, toss again gently and serve on plates or alongside grilled meats or fish. Watch as everyone dives into this delightful dish!

There you have it! Your very own Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is now ready to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every flavorful bite while dreaming of sunny beaches and balmy evenings—because who doesn’t need a little escape right from their kitchen?

You Must Know

  • This Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is not just a dish; it’s a party for your taste buds
  • It’s quick to make and easy to customize, making it perfect for any occasion
  • The vibrant colors and flavors will dazzle your guests!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To whip up this Mediterranean delight, start by rinsing your canned white beans while you chop the veggies. Next, mix the dressing so it infuses flavors while you prep everything else. Finally, combine all ingredients just before serving for maximum freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry’s mood! Try chickpeas instead of white beans or toss in some diced cucumbers for extra crunch. A sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to preserve the salad’s fresh flavors. However, this dish is best enjoyed cold!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the perfect Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon, use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
  • Avoid overmixing to maintain texture
  • Experiment with herbs like dill or mint for unique flavor twists that will impress everyone

It was one sunny afternoon when I decided to throw together this Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon for a picnic. My friends were skeptical at first but ended up devouring every last bite! Their surprised faces were priceless!

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon?

To make a Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon, gather the following ingredients: canned white beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and preserved lemon. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add flavor, while olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper serve as dressing components. This combination creates a refreshing and nutritious salad perfect for any meal.

How can I store Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon?

You can store your Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve. The salad’s ingredients will meld beautifully over time, enhancing its taste. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Can I customize my Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon?

Absolutely! You can customize your Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon by adding various vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. For additional protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. If you prefer a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The preserved lemon is a key ingredient that enhances the overall flavor, so try to keep it in your recipe.

Is Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon healthy?

Yes, Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is a healthy choice! It is rich in fiber from the beans and packed with vitamins from the fresh vegetables. The feta cheese provides calcium and protein while adding delicious flavor. Olive oil contributes healthy fats that can benefit heart health. Overall, this salad is nutrient-dense and supports a balanced diet when paired with other wholesome foods.

Conclusion for Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon

In conclusion, Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is not only easy to prepare but also full of vibrant flavors and nutrients. With its combination of creamy feta, zesty preserved lemon, and fresh vegetables, this salad makes a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course, its versatility allows for endless customization. Enjoy this refreshing salad any time to nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta & Preserved Lemon is a refreshing dish bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. This easy-to-make salad features creamy white beans, tangy feta cheese, and the bright zing of preserved lemon. Perfect as a side or light main course, this salad is ideal for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. Enjoy it chilled for a delightful taste of the Mediterranean with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 preserved lemon, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Drain and rinse the white beans until free of canned liquid.
  2. Chop Your Veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes and slice red onion thinly.
  3. Mix in Flavor: In a bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and parsley.
  4. Add Zest: Incorporate chopped preserved lemon into the mixture.
  5. Dress It Up: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad; toss gently to combine.
  6. Taste Test Time: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Let It Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve & Enjoy: Toss again before serving alongside grilled meats or fish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

 

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