Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to ditch those heavy, starchy dishes and opt for something lighter, fresher, and full of flavor. White beans, in particular, are a great addition to any summer menu – not only do they provide a boost of protein and fiber, but they also pair incredibly well with an array of summer veggies, herbs, and citrus flavors.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 refreshing white bean salad recipes that are perfect for sizzling summer days. From classic Mediterranean-inspired combinations to bold, spicy takes on the humble white bean, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to spice up your meal routine, these salads are sure to become new favorites.
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Lemon and Herbs
This refreshing salad combines creamy white beans with bright citrus flavors and fragrant herbs, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the white beans, mixed greens, and chopped parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
White Bean and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the silky smoothness of avocado, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, avocado, and lime juice.
2. Mash the mixture with a fork until it’s slightly chunky.
3. Stir in the garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Garlicky White Bean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
A flavorful and refreshing salad perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next gathering. This recipe combines the creaminess of cannellini beans with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a punch of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and gently fold into the bean mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Red Onion
This salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the savory flavor of tuna, all tied together with a sweet and tangy dressing. The addition of red onion adds a punch of flavor and a pop of color to this quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cannellini beans, tuna, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy White Bean Salad with Roasted Peppers
This vibrant salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers and a kick of spice from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 large bell peppers, any color, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, roasted peppers, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
White Bean and Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
This hearty salad combines the creaminess of cannellini beans, the earthiness of kale, and the nutty flavor of tahini dressing, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands until they become tender and slightly wilted.
2. Add the cannellini beans, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil to the bowl. Toss until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts if using.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time)
White Bean and Cucumber Salad with Dill
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of white beans, cucumbers, and dill that makes for a great side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, cucumber slices, and chopped dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Roasted Corn Salad with Cilantro
This White Bean and Roasted Corn Salad with Cilantro is a refreshing twist on traditional bean salads. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted corn with creamy white beans and a hint of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small red onion, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss corn kernels with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until lightly caramelized.
3. In a large pot, combine soaked navy beans and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
4. Drain beans and let cool slightly. Add roasted corn kernels, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
White Bean and Feta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
This refreshing salad combines creamy cannellini beans, tangy feta cheese, and sweet balsamic glaze for a flavorful and easy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cannellini beans, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. In a small saucepan, reduce the balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened and syrupy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Pour the balsamic glaze over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Bean and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines creamy cannellini beans, nutty quinoa, and tangy lemon vinaigrette for a healthy and flavorful side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked quinoa and cannellini beans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Top with thinly sliced red onion and chopped parsley.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
This salad brings together the creamy sweetness of white beans, the earthy warmth of roasted beets, and the tanginess of goat cheese for a delightful winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 large beets, peeled and chopped into wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cannellini beans, roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and white wine vinegar. Season to taste.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Serve at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
White Bean and Spinach Salad with Garlic Dressing
This hearty salad combines creamy white beans with wilted spinach, topped with a zesty garlic dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or chopped walnuts for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the white beans and spinach.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean-spinach mixture; toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese or chopped walnuts.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
White Bean and Artichoke Salad with Lemon Zest
This refreshing salad combines creamy cannellini beans, tender artichoke hearts, and a burst of citrus flavor from lemon zest. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lemons, zested
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir in lemon zest.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Radish Salad with Mint
This vibrant salad combines creamy white beans, peppery radishes, and cooling mint for a light and satisfying side dish or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked cannellini beans
– 2 cups thinly sliced radishes (any variety)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked cannellini beans, sliced radishes, and chopped mint leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is ready in under 10 minutes.
White Bean and Grilled Zucchini Salad with Basil
This refreshing summer salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the smoky flavor of grilled zucchini, all tied together with fresh basil. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the zucchinis with olive oil and season with salt.
3. Grill the zucchinis for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, and chopped basil.
5. Slice the grilled zucchinis into thick strips and add to the bowl.
6. Toss gently to combine.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Salad with Olives
This vibrant salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the sweet, smoky flavor of roasted red peppers and the brininess of Kalamata olives. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite Mediterranean-inspired main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 roasted red peppers, diced
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, roasted red peppers, and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
6. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Carrot Salad with Ginger Dressing
This refreshing salad combines creamy cannellini beans, sweet carrots, and a zesty ginger dressing for a delicious and healthy snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked cannellini beans
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked cannellini beans, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean and carrot mixture; toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
White Bean and Chickpea Salad with Parsley
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the creaminess of cannellini beans, the nutty taste of chickpeas, and the freshness of parsley.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, chickpeas, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
White Bean and Sweet Potato Salad with Cumin
This hearty salad combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all tied together with a hint of warm cumin. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast sweet potato cubes for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans, olive oil, onion, garlic, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Add them to the bean mixture and toss to combine.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Bean and Arugula Salad with Lemon Pepper Dressing
This refreshing salad combines creamy cannellini beans, peppery arugula, and a zesty lemon pepper dressing for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups arugula
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cannellini beans and arugula.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the dressing over the bean-arugula mixture and toss to coat.
4. Stir in minced garlic.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 20 refreshing white beans salad recipes! From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to spicy and savory creations, we’ve got you covered. Try pairing cannellini or navy beans with ingredients like roasted peppers, avocado, feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a light and satisfying meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these unique salads are sure to become your new go-to summer side dish.
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