Italian White Bean Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Italian White Bean Salad Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want something light yet satisfying. The combination of creamy cannellini beans, zesty salsa verde, and fresh veggies makes it a delightful choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this salad is sure to impress your loved ones without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
What I love most about this salad is its versatility. You can enjoy it on its own or elevate it with some tuna and crusty bread. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic spread. Trust me; once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this salad up in under 20 minutes—perfect for those busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The vibrant ingredients create a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand!
- Perfectly Satisfying: The combination of beans and veggies offers great nutrition while being light on the stomach.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful salad! Each one plays an important role in creating that fresh Mediterranean flavor profile we all love.
For the Salad
- 1 can (14 oz / ~400 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 6–8 tomatoes)
- ¼ cup Nocellara del Belice or Castelvetrano olives, torn
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced in quarter moons
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons parmesan shavings
For the Salsa Verde
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon anchovy paste (or substitute with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
For Serving
- 225 g albacore tuna in olive oil, drained (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Variations
This Italian White Bean Salad Recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Swap the Protein: If tuna isn’t your thing, try adding chickpeas or grilled chicken instead.
- Make it Vegan: Omit the parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle more red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
How to Make Italian White Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salsa Verde
In a small bowl, combine the parsley, basil, capers, garlic, anchovy paste (or salt), red pepper flakes, black pepper, olive oil, and red apple vinegar. Stir well to blend all those vibrant flavors together! This dressing is key as it brings everything to life.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, torn olives, and red onion. Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss gently to combine. The beans provide creaminess while the tomatoes add juiciness—what a winning combo!
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the salsa verde over your salad mixture and toss carefully to avoid mashing those lovely beans. It’s essential to coat everything evenly so each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Lightly mix in the parmesan shavings. These little curls of cheese add richness that perfectly complements the salad’s fresh elements.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Top with tuna if you’re using it and serve alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful Italian White Bean Salad!
Pro Tips for Making Italian White Bean Salad Recipe
Creating a delightful Italian White Bean Salad is easy with just a few simple tips!
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Choose quality ingredients: Using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavors of your salad. Freshness is key in a no-cook dish, making every bite burst with taste.
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Let it marinate: If you have time, allow the salad to sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish.
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Customize your beans: While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of beans like navy or chickpeas. Each bean offers a unique texture and flavor that can add variety to your salad.
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Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and acidity (vinegar) according to your preference. Everyone’s palate is different, so make it just right for you!
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Make it a meal: Add grilled vegetables or quinoa to turn this salad into a heartier main course. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers while keeping your meal light and nutritious.
How to Serve Italian White Bean Salad Recipe
Serving up this Italian White Bean Salad is all about presentation and creating a complete meal experience!
Garnishes
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Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only look beautiful but also reinforce the herbaceous notes of the salad.
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Lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest adds an extra layer of brightness and freshness that complements the zesty salsa verde.
Side Dishes
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Crusty bread: Serve with slices of artisanal bread for dipping into the vibrant flavors of the salad. It’s perfect for scooping up those delicious beans!
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Grilled vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring warmth and depth to your meal while staying light.
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Mixed green salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens dressed lightly in olive oil and vinegar adds a refreshing crunch alongside the bean salad.
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Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary provide a comforting contrast and balance out the dish’s freshness.
Enjoy your delightful Italian White Bean Salad as part of a vibrant meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Italian White Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to make in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you’ve added tuna, consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the beans and vegetables.
- If you want to freeze it, consider storing only the salsa verde mixture separately, and combine it with fresh ingredients later.
Reheating
- This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.
- If you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers may have about this delightful dish.
Can I make this Italian White Bean Salad Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it entirely vegan while still enjoying all its flavors.
How long does this Italian White Bean Salad Recipe last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or light dinner!
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Italian White Bean Salad by adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocados for a different texture and taste.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this vibrant Italian White Bean Salad! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or enjoying it as a light dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me!
Dinner
Italian White Bean Salad
If you’re craving a quick, refreshing dish, our Italian White Bean Salad is the perfect solution! This vibrant salad is made with creamy cannellini beans, fresh cherry tomatoes, zesty olives, and a lively salsa verde. It comes together in just 20 minutes and can be served as a light lunch, dinner, or even at your next picnic. The combination of flavors will delight your taste buds while providing a nutritious meal option that keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy. Easily customizable, this salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. Once you try it, this delightful recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ cup olives, torn
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the salsa verde by mixing parsley, basil, capers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine drained cannellini beans, quartered cherry tomatoes, torn olives, and sliced red onion.
- Sprinkle with salt and gently toss to mix.
- Drizzle salsa verde over the bean mixture and stir carefully to coat.
- Serve immediately or let it marinate for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg