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Mediterranean Kidney Bean Salad - Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Kidney beans: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed, or about 3 cups cooked
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1.5 cups, halved (or diced ripe tomatoes)
  • Cucumber: 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
  • Red onion: 1/3 cup, finely chopped
  • Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
  • Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced
  • Feta cheese: 3/4 cup, crumbled (optional but classic)
  • Fresh parsley: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Fresh mint or basil: 2–3 tablespoons, chopped (optional but lovely)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/3 cup
  • Lemon juice: 1 large lemon (about 3–4 tablespoons), plus zest if you like
  • Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon (for extra tang)
  • Garlic: 1–2 small cloves, finely grated or minced
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (helps emulsify the dressing)
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • Sea salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Optional add-ins: capers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, or avocado

Method
 

  1. Prep the beans: Drain and rinse the kidney beans under cold water until it runs clear. This removes extra sodium and any starchy taste.
  2. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the olives and chop the herbs.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add lemon zest if you want a brighter flavor.
  4. Toss it together: In a large bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat without smashing the beans.
  5. Add feta: Fold in the feta last so it stays a bit chunky. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity. If it needs brightness, add a splash more lemon.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve cool or at room temperature.