Sergio Perera’s Mediterranean Potato & Bean Salad Recipe

This recipe from SecondBite Ambassador Chef Sergio Perera is a great way to use up cupboard staples or items in a food relief hamper, like tinned beans and vegetables. If you have access to fresh produce, you can brighten the dish with vegetables, citrus and herbs.  

Ingredients 

• 1 can of new potatoes, drained and rinsed   
• 1/2 cup each of red, yellow, and green capsicum, diced   
• 1/2 brown onion, finely chopped   
• 2 cloves garlic, minced   
• 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed   
• 1 tsp dried oregano   
• 1/2 cup canned green olives, sliced   
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about half a lemon)   
• 1 tsp lemon zest   
• 1 tsp orange zest   
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil   
• Salt, to taste   
• Pepper, to taste   
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar   

Method

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients:   

Open the can of new potatoes, drain, and rinse them under cold water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are whole.   

Dice the red, yellow, and green capsicum and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic.   

Step 2. Sauté Vegetables:   

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.   

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.   

Add the diced capsicum (red, yellow, and green) and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.   

Step 3. Add Potatoes and Beans:   

Add the drained new potatoes and cannellini beans to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the potatoes warm up and the flavors meld. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.   

Step 4. Incorporate Olives and Zest:   

Stir in the sliced green olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well to combine everything.   

Step 5. Finish the Salad:   

Drizzle with red wine vinegar and give everything one last stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.   

Step 6. Serve:   

You can serve this salad warm or allow it to cool and serve it chilled. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.   

Enjoy!   

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the seasonings or add any additional ingredients you might have on hand.  

Watch Sergio making the Mediterranean Potato & Bean Salad with food relief hamper items at SecondBite charity partner Murwillumbah Community Centre.