Description
A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean black bean salad featuring fresh herbs, tangy feta cheese, olives, and a mix of colorful vegetables. This quick and easy no-cook recipe is perfect for a nutritious lunch or side dish, packed with Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup arugula
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- Handful of olives, pitted
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 roasted green pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp pickled jalapenos
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Dressing & Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the Vegetables: Prepare all fresh ingredients by finely chopping the arugula, parsley, basil leaves, tomatoes, scallion, roasted green pepper, and garlic. This ensures the salad is evenly mixed and flavorful.
- Roast the Peppers: If your roasted green pepper isn’t pre-roasted, heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and lightly roast the green pepper pieces for a few minutes until tender and slightly charred for added flavor. Otherwise, use pre-roasted peppers as is.
- Rinse and Drain the Beans: Thoroughly rinse the canned black beans under cold water and drain to remove any excess sodium and preserve their texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the black beans, chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, toasted sesame seeds, olives, pickled jalapenos, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the mixture.
- Mix the Salad: Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly throughout the salad. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired, but note that the feta and olives add sufficient saltiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture. This dish is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side.
Notes
- Using pre-roasted green peppers saves time; if roasting fresh, keep an eye to avoid burning.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Adjust pickled jalapenos quantity based on your heat preference.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese.
- To boost protein, add grilled chicken or tofu if desired.
