Mediterranean-Style Bean and Vegetable Salad

This Mediterranean-style bean and vegetable salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. It's made with a variety of beans, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley, and dressed with a simple olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette. The salad is a great way to use up leftover beans, and it's also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, and this salad is a great example of why. It's packed with nutrients, and it's also low in calories and fat. The beans provide protein and fiber, the bell peppers and cucumber add vitamins and minerals, and the red onion and parsley add flavor and antioxidants. This salad is also incredibly versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste, and it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables. It's also a great make-ahead dish, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the beans, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of beans, vegetables, and herbs creates a salad that's both flavorful and satisfying.
• The olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette adds a bright and tangy flavor to the salad.
• The salad is a great way to use up leftover beans and vegetables.
• It's also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• The salad is versatile and can be easily customized to your taste.