This Italian White Bean Salad comes together in minutes but tastes like it has been perfected over many hours. Tossed in a mustard vinaigrette, this is a salad that is simple, stunning, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or hosting company.
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There is something magical about the combination of creamy white beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, onions, and fresh parsley. Toss all of that in a tangy mustard vinaigrette, it is the kind of salad that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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What I love most about this salad is its versatility. Serve it as a light lunch with crusty bread, throw in some canned tuna, pair it with grilled chicken or fish for dinner, or bring it to your next potluck—it always steals the show.
This dish was inspired by the Italian Pasta Salad, White Bean Dip, and the Mediterranean White Bean Soup.
While this salad is quick and easy, it is also fresh and flavor-packed. It combines sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, fresh herbs and a zesty mustard vinaigrette that packs a bold and satisfying taste that feels light.
Using beans as the backdrop, this salad is packed with protein. Throw in other vegetables and this salad can become a wholesome option that can be a standalone meal or will fit into just about any menu.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Mediterranean white bean salad:
Ingredient Notes
- White beans - You can use any type of white beans, such as cannellini, white northern, or butter beans. While canned beans are fine and the easiest, you can make this from dry beans that are soaked overnight. The texture of dry beans will be better.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Vegetables: Toss in diced cucumber, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for added crunch and flavor.
- Protein: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned tuna to turn it into a heartier dish.
- Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch.
Substitutions.
- Vinaigrette: Use balsamic instead of the red wine vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- Herbs: Replace parsley with fresh basil, mint, or dill for a twist.
- Onions: Use shallots or green onions for a milder taste.
- Cheese: Add or substitute crumbled feta, cubes of Manchego, or small mozzarella balls for creaminess.
How To Make The Italian White Bean Salad: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, mustard, and pepper.
Step 2: Stir in the red onions and garlic. Set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 3: Combine the tomatoes, white beans, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad.
Step 4: Toss the salad and then gently fold in the Parmesan cheese. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure you taste as you go and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or vinaigrette to your liking.
- While you can make this salad ahead, it is an easy salad to prep ahead and then throw the ingredients together before you serve it.
Confidence Tip
Be sure to rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and ensure they don’t add a mushy texture to the salad.
Some of my other favorite salads include the Arugula Salad With Feta, Arugula And Beet Salad With Goat Cheese, Greek Lentil Salad and the Greek Village Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In this recipe, we marinate the onion for at least 15 minutes. If you are bothered by the taste of recipe onion, marinate the onion for 30-45 minutes which will take the bite out of the onion.
Yes. I would make the vinaigrette ahead of time. You can also prep the beans and veggies, combine them, and place them in the refrigerator. Add the dressing right before you are serving.
Do you love beans like I love beans? Give this Crockpot Ham And Bean Soup a try!
What To Serve With This Salad
Let me know your thoughts on the Italian White Bean Salad by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Italian White Bean Salad
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Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsps red wine vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- ¾ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tsps garlic minced
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved
- 15 oz can of white beans drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shaved (about 2 oz)
Instructions
Marinade
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, mustard, and pepper.
- Stir in the red onions and garlic. Set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Salad
- In a large bowl, place the tomatoes, beans, and parsley. Combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well.
- Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve at room temperature.
Kimberly Condon says
This looks delicious! I will swap out the parm for nutritional yeast and give it a go! Thanks!
Gwen Wolken says
I am sure it will be delicious!
Gwen says
Add some tuna to this recipe and you have a meal in a bowl!