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    Home >> Side Dishes

    Black Beans Salad with Feta, Onions, and Tomato

    Modified: May 29, 2025 · Published: May 22, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:1453 words. • About 8 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

    14817 shares
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    A delicious side dish for any of your summer meals. Black beans, feta, basil, red onion, and tomato salad goes great with anything and everything. I recently made it for a family gathering, and it went over really well. Having said that, I thought I'd share the latin fusion with all of you. Spread the love, you know!

     

    a white plate of blackbean, feta, and tomato salad with a fork and napkin on the left
    Jump to:
    • Black bean history
    • Black bean nutrition
    • Other black bean dishes
    • Using different beans for this dish
    • How to make black bean salad with feta, onions, and tomato step by step
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Black Beans, Feta, Basil, Red Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe

    Being Latin American, I am crazy about black beans. They're not only delicious and versatile, but healthy too. They're chock full of fiber, protein and antioxidants. I told you they were healthy! Black beans are native to the Central America and Mexico. Archaeologists believe that black beans are one of the first legumes to be cultivated. They've been grown for over 5000 years.

    A bowl of black bean, feta and tomato salad with white bowls of ingredients all around the edge

    This black bean salad is earthy, has salty feta, plus sweet and savory basil. It's a true flavor kaleidoscope.

    This awesome salad can double up as a relish for broiled fish, or can be eaten with tortilla chips. BTW, if you love black beans as much as I do you might want to check out my recipe for mango black bean salsa, just saying.

    ingredients for blackbean tomato feta salad in separate bowls with a bowl of finished salad on top

    This salad is one of the easiest things I've ever made. All you need to do is chop and mix. You can make this dish in about 30 minutes or less depending on your chopping skills. I like to use the basil from my garden. I haven't managed to kill it yet. Down the street from my house are two farm stands with red and juicy tomatoes. It doesn't get any better than this.

    This recipe is seasonal, as two of the main ingredients are tomatoes and basil. On the East coast, tomatoes thrive during the summer. Basil requires lots of sunlight to live too, which makes them a quintessential summer herb. Seasonality of ingredients is important. You not only respect the Earth’s natural food production cycle, but you also indulge in flavors just at the right time. Try comparing the taste of a winter tomato to a summer tomato, and you’ll notice there is a clear difference in quality between them. 

    Black beans, feta, basil, red onion, and tomato salad is my new go to picnic dish.

    Black bean history

    Known as turtle beans in Louisiana and frijoles negros across Latin, Central, and South America, black beans are a common staple across many communities. Black beans date back at least 7000 years ago, when indigenous communities ate them across what we know today as Central and South America. All beans are excellent replacements for meat, and you’ll find worldwide that many vegetarians and vegans use them to supplement their protein intake. Their flavor is unmatched too, with the signature blackish purple exterior and creamy interior. A half cup of black beans gives you 8 grams of protein, and it’s likely you’ll eat even more than that in just one serving.

    Black bean nutrition

    Beyond their high protein, black beans also have lots of fiber. With their high nutritional rating, black beans help to prevent serious health conditions such as cancer and diabetes. So not only will you eat black beans because they’re delicious, but because black beans are good for your health. 

    Other black bean dishes

    I don’t exclusively use black beans for salads, in fact this is one of the few healthy-ish dishes I make with black beans. I’m from Panama, so I’m accustomed to eating black beans in Latin and South American dishes. 

    When I’m not in the mood to eat meat, I love using black beans as a substitute. Most frequently in my rotation I make these spicy black bean enchiladas. Plant-based burgers have become more popular in recent years too, which is why I developed this delicious black bean burger recipe. They’re great for when you want to indulge in a burger, but don’t want to have a belly ache afterwards from all of the beef grease.

    I also absolutely love my black bean plantain empanadas recipe! Black beans and plantains aren’t typical empanada fillings, but I love empanadas because you can get really creative with them. 

    Using different beans for this dish

    That said, you can easily substitute the black beans in this recipe for garbanzo beans or cannellini beans. If you opt for those white beans, consider roasting them first. The crispiness will pair well with the freshness of the tomato and onion. 

    For the cheese, I understand feta is not everyone’s cup of tea. It can be very salty to some folks and maybe even a little too stinky! I personally love it, but I understand. If you want to substitute the feta, consider shaving some fresh parmesan or pecorino. If you really dislike nutty cheeses or slightly smelly cheese, you could also use some fresh mozzarella in place of it. Just know you won’t get that salty, umami flavor from the mozzarella like you get from the feta. 

    How to make black bean salad with feta, onions, and tomato step by step

    A collage of photos showing steps to make tomato, basil, feta and black bean salad.

    1. Prepare all the ingredients and have them ready. Chop, measure, drain and rinse the beans then have them all set to go.
    2. In a large bowl mix together the black beans, feta cheese, basil, red onion and tomatoes.
    3. Mix until well combined.
    4. In a separate bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Kosher salt, oregano, thyme, lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
    5. Whisk vigorously until well combined. Tip: If you are taking this dish to a picnic keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.
    6. Add the dressing to the salad, mix to combine and serve.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • How long will this last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. It is always best as fresh as possible.
    • Can I freeze this dish? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
    • How long will it last in the refrigerator? After you have added the dressing and have some left, I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
    • Can I make my bean salad Mexican? Not per se, but feel free to add spice.

    If you enjoyed my Black Bean Salad with Feta, Tomatoes, and Onion then I recommend more of my Latin-inspired recipes to make it a full meal.

     

     Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Jalapeno White Sauce - These are a big hit in my house and a perfect comfort food for a chilly day. 

    Tostones with Avocado Cream Sauce - A delicious twist on one of my favorites. These tostones get dunked into a sauce made with blended avocado, spices, fresh cilantro, and mayo. 

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    You will love this black bean, feta, basil, red onion and tomato salad. Try a great cool summer salad with bright herb flavors of basil and thyme. | ethnicspoon.com

    Black Beans, Feta, Basil, Red Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe

    You will love this black bean, feta, basil, red onion and tomato salad. Try a great cool summer salad with bright herb flavors of basil and thyme.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad/Side dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: healthy, summer
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5 people
    Calories: 172kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 15 oz black beans 1 can, drained, rinsed
    • ⅓ cup feta crumbled
    • 10-12 basil fresh, cut into strips
    • 1 Roma tomatoes cored, diced
    • ¼ cup red onion dices

    Dressing

    • 2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • ½ tsp Kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp oregano dried
    • ¼ tsp thyme dried
    • 1 tsp lemon juice fresh squeezed
    • ¼ tsp Dijon mustard

    Instructions

    • To prepare the salad:
    • In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, feta cheese, basil, red onion, and tomatoes.
    • For the dressing:
    • In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Kosher salt, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until all ingredients are well blended.
    • Pour over the bean mixture and mix until ingredients are well coated.
    • Chill until ready to use.

    Video

    Notes

    Frequently Asked Questions
    • How long will this last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. It is always best as fresh as possible.
    • Can I freeze this dish? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
    • How long will it last in the refrigerator? After you have added the dressing and have some left, I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
    • Can I make my bean salad Mexican? Not per se, but feel free to add spice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1.9mg

     

    You might also like to try these:

    • Avocado, Black Beans, Queso Fresco Empanadas
      Delicious vegetarian empanadas with avocado, black beans and queso fresco. A nice crunchy Latin pastry with creamy avocado filling! Que Rico! | ethnicspoon.com
    • Black Beans and Rice with Pork Chops - The Latin Meal
      A photo of chuletas, black beans and rice on a white plate.
    • Cannellini Bean, Parsley, Tomato, Red Onion Salad
      Quick and easy! Here is a must try summer bean salad when you want to eat something cool or take to a picnic. The flavors are fantastic with fresh parsley and tarragon for nice herbal note. | ethnicspoon.com
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    14817 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      July 17, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      I absolutely love salads like this! And I adore white balsamic! (I have a slight vinegar addiction...I have a whole cabinet of vinegars, mostly different kind of balsamics!) Your salad looks delicious, Analida!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 18, 2016 at 8:37 am

        Thanks Michelle! Wow, a whole cabinet of vinegars!!!!!!!Hope you get to try the salad.

        Reply
    2. Kristen Chidsey

      July 18, 2016 at 7:23 am

      Analida--you know how much I love feta and black beans. This is totally my kind of dish!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 18, 2016 at 8:36 am

        LOL Kristen! I hope you like it! It's so healthy and refreshing.

        Reply
    3. Liv @ Healthy Liv

      July 18, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Looks SO yummy! Love all of the bright colors and feta cheese makes every salad better! Just pinned and yummed.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 18, 2016 at 10:43 am

        Thanks Liv!!!
        Yes, it is pretty and tasty.

        Reply
    4. Sheila

      August 18, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Analida! I just made this recipe last week. It was a hit with my family. Thank you so much for sharing. xo

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 18, 2016 at 2:08 pm

        Hi Sheila! Thanks so much for commenting. I am so glad your family liked it. Take care. XO to you too!

        Reply
    5. Mindy

      October 14, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Goodness, this salad is right up my alley! I was never a black beans kinda girl until I moved to NC. Now I love them! This is going to be delish, I just know it! 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 16, 2016 at 7:16 am

        Mindy, I think you will love it. It's great anytime of year. I just made some for a party I had the other night. I had some Irish guests, and they loved it too. Let me know how you like it.

        Reply
    6. Christine | Mid-Life Croissant

      May 30, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      I have everything but the tomatoes in my pantry right now! I should throw this together for dinner!!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 30, 2017 at 6:01 pm

        Yes, you should. Let me know how you like it.

        Reply
    7. Jennifer Farley

      May 31, 2017 at 7:00 am

      This is my perfect salad.

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 31, 2017 at 6:20 pm

        Thanks Jennifer. We love it at home.

        Reply
    8. Lynne

      June 01, 2017 at 11:53 am

      This looks like an amazing side dish for summer!!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 01, 2017 at 2:53 pm

        Hi Lynne!
        Thanks for commenting. Yes, it is so good and refreshing. Hope you get to enjoy it.

        Reply
    9. Rita

      June 03, 2017 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love the flavors in this dish!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 04, 2017 at 1:49 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you Rita!

        Reply
    10. Joy Pab

      May 23, 2019 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Certainly, the salad will be very easy for you to prepare as a pro. I hope to also find it interesting by working with your recipe this coming weekend. Thanks Analida, you always have something great to offer.

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 23, 2019 at 7:49 pm

        Thanks so much Joy! Let me know how you like it!

        Reply
    11. Colleen

      May 27, 2019 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      This salad has it all going on! It looks delicious and I could have it as a meal in itself. Great for picnics, too! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 28, 2019 at 7:38 pm

        I love to take this salad along to picnics. Keep it cool and add the dressing when you serve. Thanks!

        Reply
    12. Wanda G Bridges

      May 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      awesome salad!! thanks

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 28, 2019 at 7:39 pm

        Thanks Wanda! I am so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    13. Gwynn Galvin

      July 21, 2023 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      A delicious recipe for a summer salad. My family loved this recipe and it will be in our menu rotation from now on!

      Reply
    14. Ann

      July 23, 2023 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      I used some garden fresh tomatoes for this recipe, and it turned out super delicious! Thanks for the recipe share!

      Reply
    15. Amy Liu Dong

      July 24, 2023 at 12:30 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy yet delicious and healthy salad recipe to make. I can't wait to make this at home.

      Reply
    16. Adriana

      August 03, 2024 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      Delightful salad with lovely textures. I am a fan of black beans and feta cheese. Perfect pairing for a fresh option to enjoy anytime.

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 14, 2024 at 6:15 am

        This one of my favorite summer salads too! Thanks!

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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