Craving a quick, mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy? Look no further! This Italian White Bean Salad is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of creamy beans, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for a lightning-fast lunch, a stunning side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is your culinary secret weapon that takes just 10 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium from the canned beans. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, ensuring uniform size for even distribution in the salad.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, consistent pieces to provide a sharp, crisp texture and flavor throughout the salad.
- Wash and chop fresh parsley, removing tough stems and creating fine, uniform cuts to enhance the herb's aromatic qualities.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that will coat the salad ingredients.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl with white beans.
- Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the bean mixture, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste, making final seasoning adjustments if necessary.
Tips
- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Let the salad marinate for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor development
- For extra depth, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh basil
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the flavors blend more effectively
- If possible, make the salad a few hours ahead of serving to allow flavors to fully meld
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced grilled chicken or tuna
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
