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Close-up overhead shot of a colorful bean salad with chickpeas, kidney beans, and cucumber in a blue bowl.

Vibrant Greek Bean Salad: An Easy Mediterranean Meal

A refreshing and protein-packed Greek bean salad bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, healthy side dish, or easy meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz / 425g), rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz / 425g), rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup green beans fresh blanched or frozen (thawed and drained)
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
For the Lemon-Oregano Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare Salad Ingredients
  1. Rinse and thoroughly drain the canned chickpeas and cannellini beans. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well. If using frozen green beans, thaw and drain any excess water.
  2. Dice the cucumber. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice or finely dice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Roughly chop the fresh parsley and dill.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble and Serve
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, cannellini beans, prepared green beans, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.
  2. Pour the prepared dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve chilled as a refreshing main or side dish.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve on the second day.
Variations: For added protein and a tangy kick, crumble some feta cheese over the top before serving. A handful of fresh mint can also be a delightful addition. Feel free to incorporate other Mediterranean-friendly vegetables like diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) or marinated artichoke hearts.
Meal Prep: This salad is excellent for meal prepping as it holds up very well in the fridge without getting soggy, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.