Easy White Bean Salad
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Learn how to make this refreshing and easy white bean salad recipe with simple ingredients. This healthy and quick recipe is perfect for any occasion.
A few weeks ago, our family went on vacation to visit family. My sister-in-law made something similar, and I just had to recreate it. This is now a staple in our house and one of my favorite salads.
It is so easy to make, only takes a few minutes, and is a great way to meal prep. Plus, there is no cooking involved. I love the nutritional boost this salad provides.
It serves well alongside your favorite grilled meat, roasted vegetables, or with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread. I often add it to my husband’s work lunches because it is so simple and oh-so-delicious.
Paired with bright lemon juice and fresh herbs, robust garlic cloves, and pops of red pepper, you’d be surprised how these creamy white beans shine. This summer salad is a crowd favorite.
Nutritional Benefits
This white bean salad is packed with fiber and protein, which supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are rich in antioxidants, boosting immune function and protecting against oxidative stress. Red bell pepper adds a dose of vitamin C, supporting a strong immune system and promoting skin health. Did I mention it is tasty?
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes. Chop and mix, no cooking is required.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Change up the herbs, use lime juice rather than lemon juice, or add sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Fresh and flavorful: The combination of fresh lemon juice, basil, and olive oil adds tons of flavor. It makes a wonderful side dish or part of a rice bowl.
- Great make-ahead side: Make it one day and serve it the next. It is one of those recipes that actually tastes better after it has time to marinate a little bit.
Ingredients
White beans: Such as cannellini or great northern beans, though really any bean will work.
Red bell pepper: I love the flavor the red bell pepper adds, but feel free to substitute with green, red, or orange bell peppers.
Red onion: Sharp and crisp. You could also use white onion, but I like red onion better.
Fresh basil: Other herbs can also be used such as fresh parsley, oregano, cilantro, etc. I love the freshness of basil.
Fresh lemon juice: Could also be substituted for lime juice.
A list of the remaining ingredients can be found in the recipe card.
Tools You May Need
Large mixing bowl
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How to Make White Bean Salad
Step 1: Dice veggies. Over a fine mesh strainer, drain and rinse white beans. Make sure to drain off as much of the water as possible.
Step 2: Pour the diced vegetables, beans, herbs, and olive oil into a a large bowl. Add lemon juice and stir.
Step 3: For best results, place in the fridge for 30 minutes (if desired). Serve as a flavorful side dish or with grilled meat.
Tips:
- You can totally customize this recipe. Use your favorite herbs, swap out the lemon juice for lime juice, or add some crumbled feta.
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano add vibrant flavors to your white bean salad. Always opt for fresh herbs rather than dried to ensure the best taste.
- Since olive oil is a key ingredient in the dressing, opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits. A good-quality olive oil can really elevate the salad.
- While you can serve the salad immediately, letting it sit for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- If you like texture, consider adding some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even toasted nuts (like almonds or pine nuts) or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
- Be sure to rinse and drain the cans of beans well to remove excess sodium and any canned flavor.
How to serve:
This white bean salad is perfect for various occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Great Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a light and healthy meal. I love to add this simple white bean salad to chicken and veggie rice bowls.
- Main Course: Serve on a bed of leafy greens for a light lunch or dinner.
- As a Snack: Perfect for meal prepping and keeping in the fridge for a quick snack throughout the week.
- On Toast: Spread over a toast or sourdough crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Storage:
In the Refrigerator: Store leftover white bean salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For Meal Prep:If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh for longer. Add the dressing just before serving.
Variations:
- Mediterranean White Bean Salad: Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh oregano.
- Middle Eastern (Lebanese Fattoush with White Beans): Add romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, parsley, mint, and sumac, with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
- South American (Brazilian Feijão Branco Salad): swap out the white beans for black eyed peas. Add sliced avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil, and lime juice (instead of lemon).
FAQ:
Whatever white bean is your favorite will work for this recipe.
Yes. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding it
Yes! You can use a variety of white beans including: cannellini, great northern beans, garbanzo beans, white kidney beans, navy beans, butter, beans, etc.
Yes, you can use dried beans. Make sure to soak and cook them before using in the salad. Canned beans are simply a quicker option!
Absolutely! You can swap basil for parsley, cilantro, or even mint depending on your flavor preference.
Yes! This salad is vegan and vegetarian as written, but you can add feta cheese for a creamy touch if desired.
Yes! You can add vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or celery for added crunch and flavor.
If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the salad.
Find more delicious sides:
- Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe
- Kale Apple Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
- Easy Quick Pickled Carrots Recipe
- Easy Sourdough Flatbread Recipe With Active Starter Or Discard – No Yeast
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back, comment on the post, and give it 5 stars! Please and thank you.
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Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbs red onion diced
- 1/4 cup red pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- juice of half of lemon
Instructions
- Dice veggies. Over a fine mesh strainer, drain and rinse white beans. Make sure to drain off as much of the water as possible.
- Pour the diced vegetables, beans, herbs, and olive oil into a a large bowl. Add lemon juice and stir.
- For best results, place in the fridge for 30 minutes (if desired). Serve as a flavorful side dish or with grilled meat.
Notes
- ou can totally customize this recipe. Use your favorite herbs, swap out the lemon juice for lime juice, or add some crumbled feta.
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano add vibrant flavors to your white bean salad. Always opt for fresh herbs rather than dried to ensure the best taste.
- Since olive oil is a key ingredient in the dressing, opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits. A good-quality olive oil can really elevate the salad.
- While you can serve the salad immediately, letting it sit for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- If you like texture, consider adding some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even toasted nuts (like almonds or pine nuts) or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
- Be sure to rinse and drain the cans of beans well to remove excess sodium and any canned flavor.