Save to Pinterest The name caught me off guard at that potluck last summer. Someone brought this vibrant bean salad calling it Divorce Salad, something about having meals that actually taste exciting when youre suddenly eating alone. I went back for thirds, and the best part was discovering it somehow tasted even better the next day for lunch.
My sister called me midweek, slightly panicked about meal prep for her new job. I talked her through this exact recipe while she dug through her cabinets. She texted later that night saying her coworkers kept asking about that amazing smelling salad, and suddenly meal prep felt less like a chore and more like shes treating herself.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas and black beans: These two create this perfect texture combo and hearty protein base that keeps you satisfied for hours
- Olive oil and red wine vinegar: The classic Mediterranean duo that makes the dressing feel bright and tangy without being too sharp
- Dried oregano: Dont underestimate the dried stuff here, it blooms beautifully in that oil and vinegar mixture
- Red onion: Thinly sliced is the way to go, giving you that mild crunch and pretty purple contrast throughout
- Feta cheese: The salty creamy element that ties all those earthy beans together into something crave worthy
- Fresh parsley: Adds this pop of green and freshness that makes the whole bowl feel vibrant and alive
Instructions
- Start with your beans:
- Open and drain both cans of chickpeas and black beans, then give them a good rinse until the water runs clear before dumping them into your largest mixing bowl
- Whisk up the magic:
- In a small bowl, combine that olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt and pepper, whisking until it looks perfectly emulsified and smells incredible
- Coat everything:
- Pour that dressing right over the beans and toss gently, letting every single bean get glossy and coated in that flavorful mixture
- Add the good stuff:
- Toss in your thinly sliced red onion, all that crumbled feta, and the chopped fresh parsley, then give everything another gentle fold
- Patience pays off:
- Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes, though honestly letting it hang out for a few hours or overnight is where the real magic happens
- Serve it up:
- This beauty is perfect straight from the fridge or can sit out at room temperature for a bit, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks
Save to Pinterest This salad became my go to during that month when my kitchen was being renovated and I was living off microwave meals and takeout. Having a container of this in the fridge made me feel like I was still eating real, thoughtful food even in the chaos.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in diced cucumber or bell peppers when I want extra crunch. The recipe is incredibly forgiving, practically begging you to use up whatever fresh veggies are languishing in your crisper drawer.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This is one of those rare dishes that actually improves over time, making it ideal for Sunday prep sessions. The flavors deepen and meld together in ways that make day two and three even better than the first.
Serving Suggestions
While this is perfectly satisfying on its own, I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner. It also works beautifully as part of a Mediterranean spread with warm pita and hummus.
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness
- Try swapping feta for goat cheese if you want something creamier and milder
- A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything up beautifully
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that requires zero heat but still delivers big on flavor and comfort.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why is it called Divorce Salad?
The name likely refers to the separating, marrying, and divorcing stages of the ingredients as they marinate together. The beans and onions separate in the bowl but come together harmoniously when dressed and chilled.
- → How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill for several hours or overnight—the beans absorb more of the dressing and the onion mellows beautifully.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish actually improves with time and stores well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as the beans marinate, making it perfect for meal prep.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese provides a similar tangy creaminess, while sharp cheddar offers a bolder flavor. For a dairy-free version, try vegan feta or omit the cheese and add extra herbs and vegetables.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or chopped kalamata olives all work beautifully. Add these along with the onion and parsley for extra crunch, color, and Mediterranean flair.
- → Is this salad served warm or cold?
It's typically served cold or at room temperature after chilling. The refrigeration period allows the dressing to penetrate the beans and the onions to mellow, creating a more cohesive dish.