This Mediterranean Bean Salad is a flavor bomb! Packed with simple ingredients like protein-rich beans, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful herbs, this salad is the perfect combination of fresh and filling, with SO much flavor.

Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

The Perfect Mediterranean Bean Salad

Let me introduce you to this delectable Mediterranean Bean Salad! It’s the perfect mix of beans with juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and sweet onions, finished with an irresistible dressing.

And when it comes to the dressing, it truly makes this three-bean salad extra special! A smooth blend of cilantro, parsley, mint, garlic, jalapeno, and sun-dried tomatoes will have you eating it with a spoon – it’s 100% a flavor bomb.

Beans, and Why You Should Eat More

When it comes to beans, this Mediterranean salad recipe has some of the best! The Garbanzo beans add a nutty kick, while the black beans provide a rich, earthy flavor.

As you might already know, beans are chock-full of protein and fiber – meaning they’ll keep you full and satisfied all day long. Plus, they’re loaded with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to thrive.

Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Ingredients

Grab everything you need to make the best Mediterranean bean salad at your local grocery store:

  • Garbanzo beans: Add a nutty flavor and are a good source of protein and fiber.
  • Black beans: Provide a creamy texture and are high in antioxidants and iron.
  • Tomatoes: Who doesn’t love a sweet and tangy tomato in their salad? Plus, they’ve got all kinds of vitamins.
  • White mushrooms: These guys give the salad a meaty texture without all the calories. And they’re packed with nutrients!
  • Sweet onion: These onions add a little sweetness and crunch to the salad, and they’re loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Jalapeno: Brings some heat to the party and gives a little kick of spiciness to the dressing.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Offers a sweet and tangy flavor that takes the dressing to the next level.
  • Fresh herbs: Parsley, Cilantro, and Mint bring freshness and flavor that make the beans and veggies sing.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Dressing: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon.
Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Tip: If you’re using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain them before using. This gets rid of that weird “canned” taste and lowers the salt content.

How to Make Mediterranean Bean Salad

Get ready to indulge in some of this delicious Mediterranean-style salad in no time! Simply follow these easy steps, and you’ll be good to go. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

  1. Throw the dressing ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
  2. Mix black beans, Garbanzo beans, mushrooms, onion, and tomatoes in a big bowl with the blended dressing mixture.
  3. Chill covered in the fridge overnight. Before serving, give the salad a good stir.
Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Tip: You got to let the salad “marinate” overnight before serving in order for the veggies to soak up every bit of that dee-licious dressing. 

Make This Mediterranean Salad Recipe Your Own

Want to mix things up and personalize your Mediterranean Bean Salad or try our white bean salad? Here are some fun variations to try out:

  • Cucumber coolness: Add some diced cucumber to the mix for a crisp, refreshing twist.
  • Get bean creative: Experiment with different kinds of beans to keep things interesting. Pinto beans, butter beans, or even black-eyed peas would all be yummy options.
  • Olives for days: Pitted kalamata olives add a salty tang that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
  • Herbs for days: Try out different herbs to give your salad a unique flavor.
  • Spice it up: If you’re feeling feisty, add some red pepper flakes to the salad for a little extra heat.
Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

How to Serve

Mediterranean Bean Salad is super versatile, and the perfect side dish for meats like roasted half chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. I mean, this salad simply does not discriminate – the mix of flavors and textures will complement just about any meal.

Turn your salad into a main dish by adding some warm pita bread and grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. It’s easy to whip up a big batch too, perfect for picnics and potlucks, or even portion it out for your lunches throughout the week.

Tip: Make your life easier by meal prepping! Whip up a big batch of Mediterranean Bean Salad at the start of the week, then add a different protein like chicken or fish each day for a nice lunch with some extra variety.

How to Store

The best way to store cold bean salads is to cover them and pop them in the fridge. Use an airtight container, or cover carefully with food wrap. Your salad should stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.

Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

FAQs

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned beans?

Absolutely! Using fresh beans will give your salad a more vibrant and earthy flavor. Soak the beans overnight and cook them until they are tender before using them in the salad.

Can I make the salad without onions or garlic? 

Sure, you can! If you don’t like the taste of onions or garlic, you can leave them out or substitute them with milder ingredients like shallots or scallions. The salad will still taste great!

Can I use a different dressing for this salad?

Of course! While our Mediterranean salad dressing recipe is delicious, you can use any dressing you like. Try a balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or even a creamy ranch dressing.

Is Mediterranean Bean Salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is! Beans are naturally gluten-free, meaning bean salad is a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. 
Just be sure to check the labels of any canned beans or other ingredients to make sure they’re certified gluten-free. Sometimes ingredients can be exposed to gluten during the preparation process. 

More Side Salad Ideas

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Mediterranean Bean Salad with Mushrooms - this side is a flavor bomb! So easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus it's vegetarian and vegan! | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Chop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This Mediterranean bean salad is a flavor bomb! Simple ingredients with SO much flavor. Serve it with pita bread for a light meal or alongside your favorite entrée.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2/3 cup fresh parsley leaves, lightly packed
  • 2/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, lightly packed
  • 5 large mint leaves
  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded + roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained of excess oil
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained + rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained + rinsed
  • 6 oz. raw white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded + chopped

Instructions

  1. In a bowl of a food processor, combine parsley through black pepper and process until smooth.
  2. In a large bowl, toss black beans, garbanzo beans, mushrooms, onion, and tomatoes with the processed mixture.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning give the salad couple good stirs before serving with pita bread or alongside your favorite entree.
  4. Salad can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Notes

**what makes this salad so flavorful is not only all the ingredients but that it “marinates” overnight – so don’t be tempted to skip it
**add additional time for the salad to sit overnight

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 332
  • Sugar: 3.8 g
  • Sodium: 661.8 mg
  • Fat: 22.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.6 g
  • Protein: 8.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg