My simple Mediterranean salad made up of beans and veggies is the light side dish that you need for so many meals and all of your picnics. Combining cannellini beans with tomatoes, onions, and a fresh Italian vinaigrette, creates the most delicious dish and can be customized with added protein.

A healthy bean salad that tastes amazing!

I have been making this Mediterranean bean salad for as long as I can remember. It is my favorite bean salad to make for a quick lunch that will keep me full and satisfied all day long and it is so simple!

I also love serving this light bean salad alongside heavier dishes like my Summer pork chops, pot roast sandwich , kofta meatballs, or pulled pork sliders to lighten up the meal. It is my favorite picnic side since it does not need to be refrigerated.

If you have had my pesto pasta, this meal is similar to that one in that it makes a great nutritious and simple meal that will keep your energy up all day.

This cannellini bean salad will win you over when you see how easy and delicious it is.

A few well stocked items is all you need!

This Italian bean salad is so easy and only needs a few ingredients. Despite how easy it is to make, it has so much flavor. Canned cannellini beans (or any white beans), fresh tomatoes (the fresher, the better!), red onion, and a delicious Italian vinaigrette is all you need.

Recipe tip: Using canned beans, makes this cold bean salad so easy! If you are not used to cold bean salads with canned beans, all you have to do is rinse the beans well before eating them.

Simple bean salad dressing!

The vinaigrette is so simple too with just extra virgin olive, garlic and some seasonings that I am sure you have in your pantry already.

Extra virgin olive oil gives a delicious fruity flavor to the dressing.
Fresh lemon juice is the acid that wakes up the flavors!
Fresh garlic adds that amazing Mediterranean flavor to the dressing.
Add fresh or dried herbs to add more flavor.
It is just perfect!

Make it more amazing with add ins

This Mediterranean salad is super simple and perfect just the way it is. If I have time or if I have lots of veggies in my garden, I do love adding in some more ingredients. Here are some additions you can add to this cold bean salad:

Kalamata olives.
Cucumbers.
Feta cheese.
Bell peppers.
Italian parsley.
Different beans.

These are some of my favorites but you could certainly add your favorite veggies too.

More Picnic Side Dish Ideas

If you love this Mediterranean bean salad, you may also like these:

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Mediterranean Bean Salad

A really easy and big on flavor bean salad that makes a great quick meal or side dish and one that everyone will love.

Prep Time10

rest10

Total Time20

Servings: servings

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

30 ounces Canned cannellini beans rinsed and drained
1 cup Tomatoes quartered
½ cup Red onion thin sliced
¼ cup Olive oil
1 Lemon juiced
½ teaspoon Kosher salt plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon Garlic finely minced
¼ teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

Making the bean salad

Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
30 ounces Canned cannellini beans, 1 cup Tomatoes, ½ cup Red onion, ¼ cup Olive oil, 1 Lemon, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon Garlic, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
Toss together gently then set aside on the counter for about 10 minutes.
Serve right away or store in a container with lid in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition