White bean, feta and mint salad

A lot of people have the idea that salads are expensive and boring, but this salad definitely proves otherwise. It makes the perfect addition to any barbecue, picnic or gathering that involves food.

This salad is bursting with flavour and very cheap to make. If you are on a budget, then beans are going to be a staple. Whether you use pre-cooked, canned beans or dry and soak them yourself, they are very cheap and can really bulk out a meal. Also, by using strong flavoured ingredients like feta and mint, you don’t need to use as much as you would if you were using a lighter cheese or herb, therefore saving you even more money

If you needed any more convincing to make this dish, it is ready in minutes (if using precooked beans), so you can be out in the garden with your friends and family enjoying yourself, rather than stuck in the kitchen.

You can use any kind of beans that you have available, or whatever is on offer to make it even more budget friendly, and I sometimes like to change it up and use broad beans or peas instead, or use a mixture of them all. Adding in peas gives it a pop of colour and bumps up the protein content too.

Another nice variation is using different cheeses, like grilled halloumi or a soft goats cheese.