Mediterranean Chickpea and White Bean Salad

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/3 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain the chickpeas and cannellini beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about 30 seconds; rinsing removes the starchy canning liquid that would otherwise make the dressing cloudy and the salad taste tinny.
2. Shake the colander well and spread the beans on a clean kitchen towel to blot off excess water for a few minutes; wet beans dilute the dressing.
3. Dice the cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, leaving the skin on for extra texture and color.
4. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion.
5. Combine the chickpeas, cannellini beans, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.
7. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, being careful not to mash the beans as you mix.
8. Add the crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and mint, and fold in gently one more time so the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed without breaking up too much.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning; beans in particular need a good amount of salt and acid to taste vibrant rather than bland, so do not be shy with extra lemon juice or salt.
10. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving so the beans can soak up some of the dressing, or refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.