Healthy Salad with Feta Recipe, Ready in 10 Minutes
This High Protein Bean Feta Salad is one of those quick and easy recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It is fresh, colorful, packed with protein, and ready in just 10 minutes. With crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty feta, and hearty kidney beans, this healthy bean salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
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If you are looking for an easy high protein bean salad that is filling without feeling heavy, this recipe is a great choice. It combines simple everyday ingredients into a fresh Mediterranean inspired salad that is both satisfying and full of flavor. The combination of kidney beans, mozzarella, and feta adds plenty of protein while the fresh vegetables keep every bite crisp and refreshing.
This bean feta salad is perfect for busy weekdays because it requires almost no cooking. Simply chop, mix, and enjoy. It also travels well, making it an excellent healthy lunch recipe for work, school, or a picnic. Whether you are trying to eat more protein, looking for a quick vegetarian meal, or simply want an easy bean salad recipe, this one never disappoints.
Fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, hearty beans, and a light homemade dressing come together in just one bowl. It is the kind of recipe that tastes delicious all year round and is easy enough to make whenever you need a quick meal. Because it is naturally rich in protein and fiber, it will keep you satisfied much longer than a simple green salad.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Bean Feta Salad
- Ready in only 10 minutes with almost no preparation.
- High in protein thanks to kidney beans, mozzarella, and feta cheese.
- Fresh, crunchy, and creamy with the perfect combination of textures.
- Perfect for meal prep because it stores well in the refrigerator.
- Made with simple everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or work whenever you need a healthy meal.
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Healthy and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.
High Protein Bean Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce or leaf lettuce (75 g)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved (75 g))
- 1/2 cup kidney beans (drained and rinsed (85 g))
- 1/4 cup corn (40 g)
- 3 tablespoons red onion (finely chopped (25 g))
- 1/4 cup light mozzarella (diced (45 g))
- 1/4 cup low fat feta cheese (crumbled (40 g))
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (7 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon herb salt
Method
- Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce and place it in a bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the drained kidney beans and corn.
- Add the finely chopped red onion.
- Dice the light mozzarella and crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
- Season with herb salt and toss gently until everything is combined.
Notes
- This healthy bean feta salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep.
- For extra protein, add chickpeas, edamame, or a sliced boiled egg.
- You can prepare all ingredients in advance and store the dressing separately until ready to serve.
- The salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Calories 390 kcal
Protein 24 g
Fat 13 g
Carbohydrates 34 g
Ingredient Notes
Kidney beans: Kidney beans are the star of this high protein bean feta salad. They are naturally rich in plant based protein and fiber, making the salad much more filling while adding a soft, creamy texture. Be sure to rinse and drain canned beans well before using them.
Iceberg lettuce: Iceberg lettuce keeps the salad fresh, crisp, and light. Romaine or leaf lettuce also work well if you prefer a different texture.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes add freshness, color, and a juicy bite that perfectly balances the creamy cheese.
Corn: Corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and another layer of texture that pairs beautifully with the beans and feta.
Red onion: Red onion gives the salad a slightly sharp but mild flavor. If you prefer a softer taste, soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
Light mozzarella: Mozzarella makes the salad extra creamy while adding additional protein without overpowering the fresh vegetables.
Low fat feta cheese: Feta adds the classic salty Mediterranean flavor that makes this bean salad with feta so delicious.
Olive oil: A small amount of olive oil creates a light dressing while bringing all the ingredients together.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that balances the creamy cheese perfectly.
Why This High Protein Bean Salad Is So Filling
This high protein bean salad combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats to create a meal that keeps you satisfied for hours. The kidney beans provide slow digesting carbohydrates and plant based protein, while the mozzarella and feta cheese add even more protein and a creamy texture.
Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and corn keep the salad light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm days or whenever you want a healthy meal that doesn’t feel heavy. It is one of those easy recipes that tastes just as good for lunch as it does for dinner.
Easy Variations
- Add cucumber for even more freshness.
- Use chickpeas, white beans, or black beans instead of kidney beans.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Mix in fresh parsley or basil for additional flavor.
- Add cooked quinoa to make the salad even more filling.
- Top with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- Add diced bell peppers for more color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This healthy bean feta salad is delicious on its own as a quick lunch or light dinner. It also pairs well with whole wheat bread, wraps, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, or homemade garlic bread.
Because it is easy to prepare ahead of time, it is also a great meal prep salad for work, school, road trips, or picnics. Don’t forget to pack a reusable cutlery set when bringing your meal prep.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bean feta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop even more as the salad rests.
If you plan to make it ahead, store the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving to keep the lettuce nice and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bean feta salad ahead of time?
Yes. This high protein bean feta salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare all the ingredients in advance and store the dressing separately. Toss everything together just before serving for the freshest texture.
What beans work best for bean salad?
Kidney beans are my favorite because they have a creamy texture and plenty of protein. However, chickpeas, black beans, cannellini beans, or white beans are also delicious in this recipe.
Is this high protein bean salad healthy?
Yes. This healthy bean salad is packed with protein, fiber, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. It is a balanced meal that works well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
How can I add even more protein?
You can easily increase the protein by adding chickpeas, edamame, cottage cheese, grilled tofu, or a sliced boiled egg.
Can I use another dressing?
Absolutely. Lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or a simple Greek yogurt dressing all taste great with this bean feta salad.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Bean Feta Salad is proof that healthy meals do not have to be complicated. With crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty feta, hearty kidney beans, and a simple homemade dressing, you can create a delicious meal in just 10 minutes.
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a healthy meal prep recipe, this easy bean salad is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It is fresh, satisfying, packed with protein, and perfect for busy weekdays. Hope you enjoy 🙂
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