Mediterranean Shrimp Salad with Cannellini Beans
This refreshing salad features tender shrimp, buttery cannellini beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. It’s high in protein, fiber-rich, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Time
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8–10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (15 oz / 425g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
Optional: mixed greens or arugula for serving
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
Add cooked shrimp and gently toss with the dressing.
Sprinkle with parsley or dill.
4. Serve:
Serve chilled or at room temp over greens or on its own.
Optional: garnish with lemon wedges or more herbs.
Tips & Variations:
- Grill the shrimp for smoky flavor.
- Add avocado or artichoke hearts for extra richness.
- Use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans if preferred.
- Turn it into a pita filling or lettuce wrap for an easy handheld meal.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How long will it keep?
A: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh.
Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Yes, assemble everything except the greens and dressing. Toss when ready to eat.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g