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Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe

4.8 from 28 reviews

This Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad combines tender cooked chicken, fresh herbs, olives, beans, and mozzarella in a tangy and flavorful dressing made with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing and nutritious salad perfect for a light lunch or a side dish with Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups chopped, cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 3 ounces green olives, drained and chopped
  • 14.5 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 14.5 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 8 oz chopped mozzarella or mozzarella balls, drained

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl to serve as the salad base.
  2. Add Aromatics: Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the chicken for a sharp, fresh flavor.
  3. Incorporate Herbs: Chop the parsley and cilantro finely, then mix both into the bowl to add freshness and brightness.
  4. Prepare Olives: Drain the green olives thoroughly, chop them into smaller pieces, and add them to the salad bowl for a salty kick.
  5. Add Beans and Cheese: Rinse and drain both the garbanzo and white beans, then add them along with the mozzarella pieces or balls to the mixture.
  6. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice until well combined.
  7. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, bean salad, chicken salad, healthy salad, easy recipe, no cook salad, mozzarella salad, summer salad