Beans are the hero for holiday buffets. They’re hearty, inexpensive, and so customizable. They are a great source of protein for any gluten-free, vegan people at the holiday gathering, and they can be set out in big pots with bright sides, and fun toppers. You can even set them out so guests can build their own sides/bowls. I want to share with you some of my favorite Mediterranean Bean Recipes that make perfect dishes for this holiday season.

History of Legumes in the Greek Diet

In Greek culture, legumes have long been the quiet heroes of the holiday season, especially because the lead-up to Christmas traditionally included periods of fasting. For centuries, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and split peas were everyday staples that nourished communities when olive oil, meat and dairy were off the table. Dishes like revithia (chickpeas), fakes (lentil soup), and silky yellow fava weren’t just budget-friendly winter meals but they were a way to make the most of what the land could give during the colder, winter months.

Around Christmas itself, when fasting relaxed and tables grew fuller, legumes still held their place alongside richer foods at the table. Rustic bean dishes were often served on Christmas Eve or in the days between Christmas and Epiphany, grounding celebrations in tradition and balance. In many regions, legumes were believed to bring prosperity and abundance for the year ahead. So even though today, more glamorous dishes like roast lamb and delicious sweets steal the spotlight, legumes still have a place at the table and are deeply woven into Greek Christmas culture.

Main Mediterranean Bean Recipes

Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

🍲 This authentic Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes) is creamy, flavorful comfort food! Ready in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep time!

Black Eyed Pea Soup (Blue Zone Ikarian Stew)

This delicious, hearty soup is so good for you, Greek-inspired, and will warm you from the inside during the cooler months.

Creamy Greek Chickpea Soup

This creamy Greek Chickpea Soup is a comforting, simple recipe to make that is full of flavor and gut-healthy. You're going to love it!

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans

This delicious Butter Beans recipe has a tomato base that is made creamy with tahini. It's the ultimate comfort dish.

Spring Butter Bean Stew

This butter bean stew is hearty, and loaded with flavor. The pop of basil oil makes it extra flavorful and perfect for spring.

More Beans & Soups

Greek White Bean Soup (Fasolada)

This fasolada soup is a Greek white bean soup full of fiber and protein. It's comforting and perfect for fall and winter. 🍂❄️

Creamy White Bean Soup

🤍 This creamy white bean soup with kale is pure comfort in a bowl! Protein-packed beans create natural creaminess while fresh herbs and tender veggies make it incredibly flavorful.

Fasolakia (Greek Bean Stew)

Fasolakia is a Greek bean stew that is incredibly comforting. It's made by stewing green beans with herbs, lots of olive oil, and tomatoes. You'll eat this up this fall!

Salads, Sides & Mezze for the Buffet

Black Eyed Pea Salad

This black eyed pea salad is fresh, a Blue Zone meal, and so good-for-you!

Crispy Quinoa + Chickpea Salad

This Crispy Quinoa & Chickpea Salad is healthy and delicious. The fennel and pear topping, combined with the crunch from the quinoa is the perfect combo.

Mashed Chickpea Salad

🥪 Surprise! This mashed chickpea salad is the plant-based sandwich filling that'll make you forget all about boring lunches. One bowl, five minutes, endless possibilities – your taste buds are about to be very, very happy!

Roasted Chickpea Salad with Beets and Blackberry Dressing

This Roasted Chickpea Salad has the flavor of beets combined with a yummy blackberry dressing. It's the perfect earthy, savory, and sweet combination that makes for a great winter salad.

Homemade Falafel

🧆 Holy chickpeas, Batman! These crispy homemade falafel are addictively good and so easy to make. Whip up a batch in 25 minutes and prepare for your taste buds to throw a wild Mediterranean party!