Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad: A Vibrant, Zesty, and Healthy Meal Prep Favorite Featuring Paisley Farm Beans
This Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad is a true culinary gem, bursting with an irresistible combination of colors, satisfying crunch, and bold, zesty flavors. It masterfully blends the best of both fresh and pickled vegetables, all brought together with a vibrant, homemade Mediterranean dressing that promises to awaken your taste buds. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and authentic Mediterranean taste.
My recent discovery of a new Mediterranean restaurant nearby has completely transformed my perception of salads. I find myself constantly craving their fresh, flavorful creations, and being so close, it’s become a healthy and delicious habit I can’t break. This newfound passion inspired me to experiment with my own salad dressings, leading to the perfection I’m excited to share with you today. It truly makes you wonder why we ever opt for store-bought dressings when crafting your own is so incredibly simple and rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This Pickled Vegetable Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean salad is more than just a dish; it’s a meal-prep dream. Its flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better the next day – perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners. Enjoy it as a light, refreshing meal on its own, or elevate it into a substantial feast. Consider adding grilled chicken (leftovers work wonderfully!), stuffing it into warm pita pockets for a hearty sandwich, or serving it alongside other protein-rich options like hummus or falafel. Its versatility makes it an indispensable addition to your recipe repertoire.
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm. All opinions and my deep appreciation for their high-quality products are entirely my own.
Crafting the Perfect Mediterranean Vegetable Salad Recipe
This recipe offers an exciting, flavor-packed approach to incorporating more fresh vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet. The foundation of this incredible salad is Paisley Farm Foods Five Bean Salad. This convenient, ready-to-go blend provides an instant boost of bold flavor, delightful texture, and a generous amount of protein straight from the jar. It’s an ideal vegetarian base that can stand alone as a light meal or serve as a fantastic side dish.
Building upon this hearty base, we layer a vibrant assortment of pickled ingredients and fresh produce. The pickled elements include tangy red onion, subtly spicy banana peppers, briny Kalamata olives, savory pimento-stuffed olives, and tender marinated artichoke hearts. For fresh crunch and sweetness, we add juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp mini cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, and crunchy celery. A generous handful of fresh basil is then tossed in to infuse the salad with its bright, aromatic freshness, tying all the diverse flavors and textures together perfectly.
The Magic of Homemade Mediterranean Dressing
The true magic of this salad lies in its homemade Mediterranean vinaigrette. This simple yet profound mix combines red wine vinegar for its sharp tang, organic maple syrup for a touch of balanced sweetness, robust Italian seasonings, garlic powder for an aromatic kick, a pinch of salt and pepper, and, crucially, high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Do not compromise on the olive oil here; a good quality oil makes an undeniable difference in the overall flavor profile. For an even fresher taste, feel free to swap in fresh herbs or minced garlic if you have them on hand. Making your own dressing not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also allows you to control the exact flavor balance, resulting in a dressing far superior to any store-bought alternative.
If you’re captivated by the flavors of this Mediterranean Veggie Salad, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these other delightful recipes as well: Five Bean Baked Beans, this satisfying Five Bean Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet, and this refreshing Five Bean Ham and Rice Salad. Each offers a unique way to incorporate wholesome beans into your meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pickled Vegetable Salad
For a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
For the Homemade Mediterranean Dressing:
You will need core pantry staples: red wine vinegar for acidity, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness, and organic maple syrup to balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Season with dried Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For those who prefer a fresher profile, feel free to substitute with freshly minced garlic and your favorite fresh Italian herbs like oregano or basil.
For the Vibrant Salad:
The star ingredient is one 24-ounce jar of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, which provides a fantastic base of texture and protein. Complement this with a medley of pickled elements: roughly chopped pickled red onions for a tangy bite, banana pepper rings for a mild zing, halved Kalamata olives for their briny depth, halved pimento-stuffed olives for savory notes, and halved marinated artichoke hearts for a tender, umami boost. To add that essential crunch and freshness, incorporate diced celery, colorful bell peppers (tri-colored for visual appeal!), and sliced mini cucumbers. Finally, quartered cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness, and fresh chopped basil brings a burst of aromatic brightness. While I personally adore mine with crumbled feta cheese, I recognize it’s a matter of preference within my family, so I’ve listed it as an optional addition, allowing you to customize to your liking.
How to Make Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Zesty Dressing. Begin by combining all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. This ensures every bite of your salad is coated in rich flavor. Once prepared, refrigerate the dressing while you assemble the rest of the salad to allow the flavors to meld and chill.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients. In a large salad bowl, combine the drained Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad with all of your prepared pickled vegetables (red onion, banana peppers, Kalamata olives, pimento olives, and marinated artichoke hearts). Next, add your fresh, chopped vegetables: cherry tomatoes, mini cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery. Finally, sprinkle the fresh basil over the top, ready for the dressing.
Step 3: Dress and Serve. Retrieve your chilled homemade Mediterranean dressing. Pour it generously over the prepared vegetables and basil in the salad bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated with the delicious dressing. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving. This salad can be enjoyed immediately for crisp freshness, or chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld, which is highly recommended for an even richer taste. Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
Love It? Pin It!
If this Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad recipe has captured your heart and appetite, don’t let it get lost! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a craving for fresh, vibrant flavors strikes!
Smart Substitutions & Delicious Variations
One of the beauties of this Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad is its adaptability. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers:
- Cucumbers: For a slightly different texture and often less watery outcome, swap out the mini cucumbers for English cucumbers.
- Pickled Red Onions: While store-bought works perfectly, consider making your own homemade pickled red onions for an extra touch of freshness and personalized flavor.
- Olives: If you’re not a fan of Kalamata or pimento olives, or simply want to try something different, black olives are a fantastic and milder alternative. You could also include green olives for an additional briny kick.
- Peppers: For those who enjoy a bit more heat and tang, pepperoncini peppers are a delicious substitute for the banana pepper rings.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used in place of red wine vinegar in the dressing, offering a slightly milder and fruitier flavor profile.
- Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, mint, or oregano to introduce different aromatic notes.
- Added Protein: Boost the protein content by incorporating cooked chickpeas, lentils, or a scoop of quinoa.
- Beyond the Bowl: Transform leftovers into an entirely new meal! Stuff the salad into warm pita pockets with or without grilled chicken for a satisfying sandwich, or serve it alongside grilled fish for a complete and healthy dinner. It’s also fantastic as a topping for a loaded spinach salad or an accompaniment to a Mediterranean charcuterie board.
- Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, consider crumbled goat cheese or even shaved Parmesan for a different salty, savory element.
Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad: Our Go-To Pantry Staple
Paisley Farm has been my trusted brand for quality prepared beans for many years, and their products are a cornerstone of my kitchen. Their Five Bean Salad, in particular, is a delightful sweet and tangy blend featuring an assortment of green beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, and wax beans, perfectly accented with freshly diced onions and red peppers. Its robust flavor and satisfying texture make it an absolutely natural and indispensable component in this Mediterranean pickled vegetable salad.
I always make sure to keep multiple jars of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad stocked in our pantry. It’s a true staple for our family, offering incredible versatility. Whether we’re simply opening a jar to serve it as a quick side dish, or incorporating it into more complex recipes like this hearty Five Bean Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet or a comforting Five Bean Chicken Chili, it consistently delivers. It also shines in salads, whether it’s our favorite Italian Bean Salad or as a protein-rich topper on a Loaded Spinach Salad with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing. In moments when the inevitable “What’s for dinner?” question arises, Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad truly is a lifesaver, offering a delicious and wholesome solution.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
Beyond this incredible salad, Paisley Farm’s Five Bean Salad is a star in many other dishes. I’ve used it to create these mouth-watering Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, pictured directly above. And for those who share my love for Mexican-inspired flavors, you simply must try my Hot Taco Five Bean Dip – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
As summer approaches and BBQ season kicks in, you’ll find yourself reaching for these other fantastic recipes: my Easy Refrigerator Pickles, a classic Five Bean Baked Beans that everyone loves, and my cherished Mom’s Marinated Vegetables Recipe. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, and any outdoor gathering.
To discover where you can purchase delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, or explore any of their other fabulous products, please visit their convenient website. Stay connected and inspired by following Paisley Farm on their social media channels for a continuous stream of great recipes and updates throughout the year: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
See All of My Paisley Farm Recipes Here
I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad as much as my family and I do! Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts and experiences with the recipe.
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Print Recipe
Mediterranean Pickled Vegetable Salad
Ingredients
For the Mediterranean Dressing
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons organic pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salad:
- 1 24 ounce jar Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad drained
- 1/3 cup pickled red onion roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives halved
- 1/3 cup pimento olives halved
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 1/2 cups mini cucumbers unpeeled, sliced and halved
- 1 1/2 cups tri-colored bell peppers diced
- 3/4 cups celery diced
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- feta cheese optional
Instructions
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Prepare the dressing by whisking or shaking all of the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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In a large bowl, combine all of the fresh and pickled vegetables. Top with the fresh basil. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and mix everything together gently until well coated. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired. Refrigerate the salad until ready to enjoy, allowing flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes if possible.
Notes
This versatile salad is delicious served in many ways: enjoy it stuffed into pita pockets, alongside grilled meats or fish, or as a vibrant addition to a charcuterie or mezze board.