Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This refreshing white bean salad is a light yet protein-packed dish, bursting with fresh flavors from cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. It’s quick to make, incredibly nutritious, and works perfectly as a side dish or a wholesome main meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute dish for a gathering, this salad is a deliciously satisfying option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumber (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Red onion (finely chopped, optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion (if using).
- Mix & Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta for a heartier dish.
- Herb Boost: Swap parsley for basil, cilantro, or mint for a fresh twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped bell peppers or toasted almonds for texture.
- Dressing Alternative: Try a balsamic vinaigrette instead of lemon-garlic dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: No need to reheat—this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the beans and vegetables may change.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! Cook dried white beans according to package instructions before using.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Use an English cucumber or remove the seeds from a regular cucumber before dicing.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes! All ingredients are plant-based.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Absolutely! Lime juice adds a slightly different citrusy flavor but works well.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño.
What type of white beans work best?
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for their creamy texture.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes! Feta or goat cheese add a tangy, creamy element.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in a sealed container in the fridge; stir before serving as the dressing may settle.
Conclusion
Refreshing white bean salad with lemon-garlic dressing is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or a main meal, it’s an easy way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients with minimal effort. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a nutritious and delicious salad anytime!
Print
Refreshing White Bean Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Refreshing White Bean Salad is a light and protein-packed dish, bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty garlic. Tossed in a vibrant lemon-garlic dressing, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect as a healthy side dish or a satisfying vegetarian meal!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
- Toss & Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess.
- Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a protein boost.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean