Greek Bean Salad Lemon Marinated Beans

This Greek Bean Salad with Lemon Marinated Beans is a vibrant Mediterranean dish that combines heartiness with refreshing zest. A colorful medley of chickpeas, kidney beans, and cannellini beans serves as the base, each bite infused with a bright lemon-oregano dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a protein-rich side that captures the essence of coastal Greek cuisine.

Save

By allowing the beans to marinate, the flavors penetrate deeply, transforming simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style salad. The addition of fresh herbs and crisp vegetables ensures every serving is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Beans & Marinade
• 3 (15-ounce) cans beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, cannellini), drained and rinsed
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or 1½ tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey or granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salad
• 1 small English cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional, but recommended)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for finishing)
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Step 1

Pat the drained beans dry with paper towels and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, honey, ¾ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until well combined.

Step 3

Pour the lemon-oregano marinade over the beans and gently fold until every bean is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

When ready to assemble, taste the marinated beans and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Reserve any excess marinade.

Step 5

In a large salad bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and dill. Drizzle the reserved bean marinade and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the vegetables.

Step 6

Add the marinated beans and toss gently to combine, being careful not to crush the beans or tomatoes.

Step 7

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, then give the salad one final gentle toss to distribute the cheese.

Step 8

Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Marinating the beans overnight deepens the lemon and herb flavors significantly. To ensure the best texture, always pat the canned beans dry with paper towels before adding the marinade so they can fully absorb the dressing without becoming watery.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced red or yellow bell pepper to the salad. If you are preparing this for a vegan diet, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a dairy-free almond-based alternative. You can also experiment with different bean varieties like black-eyed peas for a unique twist.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this colorful salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens for a light lunch, or alongside grilled fish, chicken, or toasted flatbread for a complete Mediterranean dinner. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as the flavors continue to develop while it chills.

Save

This Greek Bean Salad is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a sophisticated and flavorful meal. Whether at a summer potluck or as a healthy weekday lunch, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the beans?

Marinate the beans for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating yields the best flavor. The lemon, garlic, and oregano penetrate deeper, creating a more pronounced Mediterranean taste.

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. Cook about 1½ cups dried beans until tender, then drain and pat dry before marinating. Just ensure they're fully cooled so the olive oil doesn't solidify when mixed.

→ Is this salad dairy-free without the feta?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese for a completely dairy-free version. The salad remains satisfying and flavorful thanks to the hearty beans, tangy marinade, and fresh vegetables.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

This salad stores beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making it excellent for advance preparation.

→ What can I serve with this Greek bean salad?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or lamb. Serve alongside warm pita bread, over mixed greens, or enjoy it on its own as a substantial main course.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, chopped radishes, or diced red onion work beautifully. Just keep the total vegetable proportion balanced so the marinated beans remain the star.