White Bean and Olive Salad

This White Bean and Olive Salad is packed with protein-rich white beans, briny olives, and fresh herbs, this salad is the perfect combination of Mediterranean flavors and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a dinner party, or just in need of a quick lunch, this recipe is definetly for you.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under 15 minutes!
- Nutrient-Rich: White beans are a great source of protein and fiber, while olives bring healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, light meal, or even as a topping for crostini or pasta.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its fresh flavors and colorful presentation make it perfect for gatherings.
The Ingredients for White Bean and Olive Salad
- White Beans: Creamy and mild, they soak up the dressing beautifully.
- Olives: Use green olives for a milder bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil add brightness and a touch of color.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of crunch and zest.
- Pickles: A sweet and sour addition to the salad.
- Optional Add-Ins: Feta cheese for creaminess, cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness, or garlic for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile! Pair it with:
- Grilled vegetables or tofu for a hearty meal.
- A crusty baguette for a light Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
- Other small plates, like hummus or roasted vegetables, for a mezze-style spread.
Pro Tips for Success
- Customize: Add roasted red peppers, capers, or artichokes to elevate the flavors.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the salt and acidity to your liking—olives are naturally salty, so go easy at first.
The simplicity of this White Bean and Olive Salad is what makes it truly special. It’s proof that with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or sunny outdoor gatherings, this salad is destined to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Check out more recipes:
Moroccan Cauliflower Couscous Salad

White Bean and Olive Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- ½ cup green pitted olives halved
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2-3` pickled cucumbers thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pumpki seeds
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley or basil
Dressing
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 whole lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sumac
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the white beans, olives, pickles, red onion, pumpkin seeds and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, sumac and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve it and enjoy!







I would love this as a holiday appetizer! What variety of green olives do you think are best here?
Not very sure about varieties. I always try to buy whole green or other olives, I find that they taste so much better than pitted ones. Although some extra work to pit them, but it’s worth it!