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Easy Mediterranean Mixed Bean Salad (High Protein, Make Ahead)

Close-up of a vibrant high protein bean salad featuring chickpeas, cucumbers, red peppers, and red onion in a white bowl.
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This is your blueprint for a vibrant, high-protein Mediterranean Mixed Bean Salad. It requires simple preparation using canned beans, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish for potlucks and cookouts. This salad tastes even better after marinating, so you can make it ahead.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, black beans, and cannellini beans in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the chopped cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with the beans.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, if using.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is excellent when made a day ahead for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a zesty bean salad dressing, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the oil and lemon juice mixture.
  • This recipe is a great base for a high protein salad recipe; add grilled chicken or tofu for an even heartier main course.
  • If you are preparing this for a potluck side dish, keep the feta separate until just before serving to prevent it from dissolving into the dressing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/easy-mediterranean-mixed-bean-salad-recipe/