Description
Mary Berry’s mixed bean salad delivers a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with protein and zesty flavors. Crisp vegetables and hearty beans combine in this simple yet elegant recipe that promises delightful freshness on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans:
- 3 (15-ounce) cans beans, drained and rinsed, or 4 ½ cups cooked beans
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- 1 medium cucumber, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup (60 grams) finely chopped fresh parsley
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons drained capers
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Neutralize the pungent bite of chopped onions by submerging them in chilled water for 5 minutes, then thoroughly drain and rinse to mellow their intense flavor profile.
- Create a vibrant vinaigrette in a spacious mixing bowl by whisking together tangy vinegar, fruity extra virgin olive oil, robust Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. To balance any sharp edges, incorporate a subtle touch of golden honey or rich maple syrup.
- Gently fold the rinsed white beans, softened onions, crisp cucumber chunks, freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, briny capers, and aromatic dried oregano into the prepared dressing, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.
- Allow the salad to marinate and develop its complex flavors by refrigerating for a minimum of 60 minutes, which will help the ingredients harmonize and intensify their taste characteristics. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Notes
- Meal-prep magic happens when this salad sits overnight, letting flavors deeply mingle and intensify.
- Gentle folding prevents delicate cucumber and bean pieces from breaking apart, maintaining their beautiful shape.
- Pantry flexibility means swapping beans or herbs becomes an easy culinary adventure.
- Capers bring unexpected saltiness that transforms an ordinary bean salad into something memorable.
- Chilling the mixture for an hour allows ingredients to soak up dressing, creating a harmonious taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: UK
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg