This white bean salad is a quick and easy dish made with creamy white beans, red onion, roasted red peppers, pickles, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light olive oil and lemon dressing. It’s refreshing, protein-packed, and full of flavor! It is perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a meal prep option.
If you’re a big fan of white beans, this easy white bean salad recipe is a must-try! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is a great side dish for grilled meats. It’s packed with protein and tons of flavor and requires minimal effort. It also makes an excellent addition to your collection of healthy recipes.
This salad is part of my growing salad recipe collection, where you can find a variety of easy-to-make recipes for all seasons. Check the collection to find out more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Inexpensive & Economical: It uses favorite pantry staples and is budget-friendly.
- Convenient & Quick: No cooking is required if you use canned beans.
- Protein-Rich & Nutritious: A great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container, and it is ideal for work lunches and make-ahead salads.
- Versatile & Customizable: Enjoy it as a main course, a tasty side dish, or a Mediterranean bean salad variation.
Ingredients Needed
- White Kidney Beans (Cannellini Beans): These creamy white beans are perfect for a simple white bean salad. If preferred, you can substitute with butter beans, navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild bite and crunch. Substitute with green onions or shallots.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a hint of sweetness.
- Pickles: Give a slight tanginess. Swap with capers or pepperoncini for a different way to add zest.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth texture.
- Parsley: Enhances freshness. You can use fresh cilantro or dill instead.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the salad. Swap in white wine vinegar for a tangier kick.
How to Make White Bean Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed white kidney beans.
- Chop the red onion, roasted red peppers, and pickles into small pieces. Add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Toss in fresh parsley for extra brightness.
- Give everything a good stir and let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for best results.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Tips for the Best White Bean Salad
- For a creamy texture, mash a few of the beans before mixing.
- If using dry beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How To Serve This Salad
This is a perfect side salad for grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It can also be enjoyed as a main course with crusty bread.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Italian Bean Salad: Add cans of cannellini beans, grape tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Creamy White Bean Salad: Stir in creamy feta or avocado.
- Mediterranean Bean Salad: Toss in kalamata olives and artichoke hearts.
- Easy Cannellini Bean Salad: Use white kidney beans with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Different Beans: Try black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, or butter beans.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Perfect for meal prep, as you can make a batch for easy work lunches or a last-minute meal.
This easy white bean salad recipe is a delicious salad that’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion. No matter how you serve it, as an easy side dish, a main course, or as part of your vegetarian meals, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below and give it a star rating if you love it!
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More Salad Recipes To Love
- Bacon Potato Salad
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Chickpea Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
Easy White Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 oz cooked white beans in a can, drained and rinsed
- ½ medium red onion diced
- 1 large roasted red pepper chopped
- 1-2 small pickles diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, diced red onion, chopped roasted pepper, and diced pickles.
- Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients, season with salt, and add chopped parsley.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Enjoy as a light side dish with grilled or roasted meats.
- Serve it on toasted bread for a quick and hearty appetizer.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar for extra brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving as the flavors intensify over time.