If you're craving something savory, wholesome, and just a little bit fancy without needing to spend hours in the kitchen, these Mediterranean cannellini bean patties with olives might just become your new go-to. These crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside veggie patties are loaded with briny Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs that evoke breezy Mediterranean coastlines. They're perfect for everything from light lunches to fuss-free weeknight dinners and make an amazing vegetarian option for your next gathering. Whether you're dipping them into tzatziki, tucking them into pita pockets, or topping them with fresh greens, these patties offer a healthy meal prep solution and fit beautifully into your lineup of easy dinner recipes.
Mediterranean Cannellini Bean Patties with Olives
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Food processor This makes combining the ingredients quick and easy. You can mash by hand using a fork or potato masher if you don’t have one.
Mixing bowl For shaping the mixture and letting it rest.
Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan Ideal for achieving that perfect golden crust on the patties.
Spatula To flip the patties cleanly without breaking them.
Measuring cups and spoons For accuracy and consistency.
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats acts as a binder, can substitute with breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (oil-packed preferred, drained)
- 1/2 small red onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for frying
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Prepare the Bean Mixture
In a food processor, combine the drained cannellini beans, rolled oats, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until mostly combined but not completely smooth—you want some texture for a more satisfying bite. If you’re going manual, use a fork or masher and mix thoroughly.
Add the Flavor Builders
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in the chopped red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Let the Mixture Rest
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture. This makes the patties easier to shape and helps them hold together during cooking.
Shape the Patties
Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. You should get around 8 patties total. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray as you go.
Pan-Fry to Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add patties in batches without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve Warm
Serve immediately or let them cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days—great for healthy meal prep lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Pairings
These Mediterranean bean patties are incredibly versatile, playing well with a variety of sides and sauces.
- Pita and Tzatziki: Warm pita bread and a creamy cucumber-yogurt tzatziki are a no-fail duo with these patties.
- Mediterranean Salad: Pair with a fresh tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Grain Bowl: Create a healthy bowl with farro or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and tahini dressing.
- Veggie Burgers: Want to turn these into a full-on veggie burgers recipe? Tuck them into buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite vegan mayo or hummus spread.
- Appetizer Board: Add to a mezze-style board with hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, and olives—perfect for those looking for standout appetizer recipes.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the cannellini beans with another type of bean?
Yes! Great Northern beans or navy beans have a similar texture. If you’re leaning toward darker flavors, black bean patties made with this same recipe work well, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
2. Are these patties vegan?
Absolutely. The entire recipe is vegan-friendly, making it a great option for vegan burgers, vegan patties, or any plant-based meal plan.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Definitely. Bake the patties at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but are still delicious and even lighter.
4. What kind of olives work best?
Kalamata olives are ideal for their briny depth, but green olives or a mix of both can also add interesting contrast.
5. Can I freeze these patties?
Yes. After shaping, freeze the uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Cook straight from frozen—just add an extra couple of minutes per side.
