Quick & Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe with Bold Flavors

In this healthy Mediterranean bean salad recipe, savory herbs, tangy lemon, and fresh vegetables brighten the flavor of canned butter beans, and feta cheese and kalamata olives pack a punch!

I’m a big fan of bold flavors.

Raw onion.

Fresh dill.

Kalamata olives.

Feta.

Garlic.

Which means I have to carry around a travel-sized toothbrush and matching miniature tube of toothpaste. (Wait, what? You mean your purse isn’t likewise equipped?)

The alternative would be to steer clear of aforesaid flavors, and that I just cannot do.

Or I could just avoid talking to people after eating bold flavors. But that isn’t always an option. And besides, I like to freshen up (so to speak) for myself after eating these foods.

Maybe the best idea yet it to just eat bold-flavored dishes like Greek bean salad in the comfort of my own home where I can use my regular toothbrush, lol.

In all seriousness, this Mediterranean bean salad recipe is fantastic. The bold flavors meld together perfectly for a very satisfying dish. I think it would be perfect for a summer potluck or a side dish for any number of things, like grilled chicken, steak, or even seafood.

My favorite way to eat this salad though? Make a batch and eat it stuffed inside a whole wheat pita for lunch all week long.

The Best Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe

If you think salad is boring, this one is a must-try! It’s full of intense, bold flavors that blend really well. Every bite is exciting!

With inspiration from Horiatiki (a traditional Greek salad), in this recipe savory herbs, tangy lemon, and fresh vegetables brighten up the flavor of canned butter beans, and feta cheese and kalamata olives pack a punch.

This Mediterranean bean salad is a no-cook, healthy meal with minimal effort. Additionally, because we use beans as the main protein source, this is also an affordable, budget-friendly dish. It’s vegetarian, gluten free, and easy to make vegan!

And because this salad lasts up to 5 days in the fridge, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend and you’ll be set for lunches during the week.

Mediterranean Bean Salad Ingredients

Mediterranean Bean Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• Extra-virgin olive oil – use a good-quality olive oil here
• Fresh lemon juice – this is the acid we use instead of vinegar to make this salad dressing
• Honey – this is optional, but adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavor
• Garlic – adds bold flavor (and of course raw garlic bumps up the nutrition!)
• Dijon mustard – this helps emulsify our salad dressing and adds depth; you can leave it out if you prefer
• Dried oregano – a classic ingredient in Greek salad dressing
• Salt and black pepper – to season the salad dressing

Bean Salad Ingredients:

• Canned butter beans – I love using canned beans for 2 reasons: 1) they’re pre-cooked so it’s a huge time-saving ingredient, and 2) they’re affordable! You can use whatever your favorite type of beans are
• Cucumber – a classic component in Greek salad; cucumber adds a mildly sweet flavor and delicious crunch
• Red onion – adds a zippy bite and gorgeous color
• Red bell pepper – or use a fresh red bell pepper if that’s what you have on hand
• Cherry tomatoes – does it get any better than deliciously sweet, fresh, and juicy tomatoes?! If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, chop up 1 large or 2 medium tomatoes instead
• Fresh parsley – look for flat-leaf parsley (not curly) for the most flavor
• Fresh dill – this is the one ingredient that really makes this salad stand out
• Kalamata olives – this is a traditional ingredient of Mediterranean salads
• Feta cheese – adds a tangy punch of salty flavor, as well as creamy texture

How to Make Greek Bean Salad

Whisk together all ingredients for the Mediterranean bean salad dressing in a large bowl.

Add all ingredients for the salad.

Toss everything together to combine! If you’re not serving the salad right away, hold off on adding the feta until right before serving.

How Long Will Bean Salad Last in the Fridge?

Store this salad covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to make it ahead, store the feta separately and add it to the salad right before you eat it.

Mediterranean Bean Salad FAQs

What is Traditional Greek Salad Made Of?

The classic Greek salad known as Horiatiki typically contains the following ingredients:

• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Onion
• Olives
• Feta
• Olive oil
• Oregano
• And sometimes Romaine lettuce, bell peppers, and/or fresh lemon

We’ve incorporated all of these into this bean salad, and more besides!

What Type of Dressing Goes on Mediterranean Salad?

A typical Greek salad dressing usually has the following ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar and/or fresh lemon juice
• Oregano
• Garlic
• Salt

What Kind of Beans Can I Use in This Mediterranean Bean Salad?

The short answer: the sky is the limit!

You aren’t stuck using butter beans in this salad if they’re not your thing. Butter beans, also called lima beans, have a creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor.

A few of my other favorite canned beans to add to this Mediterranean bean salad are: garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas), cannellini beans, or navy beans.

What to Serve with Bean Salad

• Pita bread – keep it simple with this classic Greek salad accompaniment
• Spanakopita Puffs – crunchy buttery puff pastry crust with a flavorful kale, feta, garlic, and dill filling
• Classic Spanakopita Recipe – a traditional Greek spinach pie that literally melts in your mouth
• Roasted Greek Potatoes – crispy outside, fluffy inside and packed with flavor
• Marinated Grilled Chicken – this copycat Chiavetta’s marinade recipe yields tender, moist and juicy chicken

More Healthy Bean Salad Recipes to Try

• White Bean Roasted Red Pepper Salad
• Strawberry Black Bean Salad
• Za’atar and Mint Butter Bean Salad

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on May 13, 2013. I updated it with more information on February 2, 2023.