Not your average bean salad! Cannellini bean, parsley, tomato, red onion salad is perfect for a hot summer night or day. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Use it as a relish to top grilled chicken or just simply stirred in with your favorite greens. It is so versatile!
Take this cannellini bean salad anywhere you want, it's so portable. Take it to the office, or on the go. Well, maybe you don't want to think about the office.
I worked on developing this cannellini bean recipe for a week. Finally, here is the version of cannellini bean, parsley, tomato, red onion salad that my family thinks is both tasty AND pretty. Yes, pretty food is a must in my house. A recurring opinion was: "It needs to be more colorful", and I agreed.
Why are they called white kidney beans?
These are sometimes called white kidney beans because of their color and shape. They're typical in Italian Tuscan cuisine. Beans were a staple of the Roman and Greek diets, and many recipes today date from that era. During the Renaissance, the nobility shunned beans due to their association with peasant cooking. Unfortunately, beans have always had a bad rep in that respect. However, because of their important nutritional value they were again reintroduced into the local cuisine. Cannellini beans are high in fiber, protein and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long will the cannellini bean last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. It is always best as fresh as possible.
- Can I freeze this salad? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
- How long will the white bean salad last in the refrigerator? After you have added the dressing and have some left, I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
This is the perfect recipe to make for a party when you are in a hurry, but still want to take something healthy and presentable. As far as picnic food is concerned, this recipe requires no refrigeration. Not that it will sit for a long time at the picnic table, trust me, I think your guests will gobble it up!
Here are some other interesting salads or salsas you may want to try. Vietnamese Pho Tron is a beef salad with very unique sweet, tart and salty dressing. Mediterranean parsley salad is fresh and healthy with a simple homemade dressing. Mango black bean salsa brings sweet and savory together and is sure to please a crowd at your next picnic.
Looking for more recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week! You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook
Cannellini Bean, Parsley, Tomato, Red Onion Salad
Ingredients
- 15 oz cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 Roma tomato seeded, cored, and diced
- 1 Tbsp tarragon fresh, chopped
- 2 Tbsp curley parsley fresh, chopped
Dressing
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp white balsamic
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- dash nutmeg
Instructions
- To make the dressing: In a bowl whisk olive oil, and white balsamic. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, mustard, and nutmeg. Whisk again to combine.
- Set dressing aside until ready to use.
- In a large bowl toss together, beans, red onion, tomato, tarragon, and parsley.
- Drizzle dressing over bean mixture, and mix thoroughly.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long will the cannellini bean last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. It is always best as fresh as possible.
- Can I freeze this salad? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
- How long will the bean salad last in the refrigerator? After you have added the dressing and have some left, I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
Nutrition
Kristen M Chidsey
I love fresh and light salads like this--so tasty!
Analida
Thanks Kristen! 🙂
Ellen
I would love to take this to the office. I'm sure co-workers would be envious!
Analida
Ellen, they would. If they are anything like my co-workers, they will gobble it up.
Tommy
This recipe rocks and so easy to make!
Analida
It is very easy!
Sheila
This salad was absolutely delicious! Perfect for a summer evening. Thanks Analida. xoxo
Analida
Sheila, I am so glad you liked it. Yes, it is perfect for summer. It is so refreshing.
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
Bean salads like this are SO refreshing on hot summer days. Yours looks great!
Analida
Thanks Ashley! I hope you enjoy this one. 🙂
Elaine Benoit
I love bean salad and this cannellini been salad loos superb! It's fresh and delicious! Awesome recipe!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
I love cannellini beans, and this sounds like such a fresh and flavorful side dish. Thanks for sharing - will be great for pot luck!
Analida
This is a great dish to take along, stays fresh and no mayo spoilage risk. Enjoy!
Corina Blum
Oh yum! I love the flavours in this bean salad and I think it would make a great side dish for a barbecue or just a light meal by itself even.
Analida
I can sit down and eat a bowl of this easily!
Gloria
What a healthy and hearty salad. Great for getting into better eating habits for the New Year. Perfect for lunch or dinner. A true crowd pleaser for sure.
Kathryn @ Urban Foodie Kitchen
This is one of my favorite combos with white beans. It's such a great summer salad!
lauren
Such a hearty, but light side dish! Kidney beans are so delicious. This is perfect anytime of year!
Amanda Mason
This looks so good! I can see myself eating this as a snack with some tortilla chips! Perfect for a healthy appetizer, too!
Lorie
This reminds me of one of my fave dishes from a restaurant in town. Can’t wait to make my own version now!
Jagruti Dhanecha
Love bean salad anytime, they are hearty, refreshing and filling. I have never used cannellini beans in a salad, it's the right time now.
Andrea The Petite Cook
Love all the flavors here! Cannellini are my favorite beans but never had them this way, can't wait to try them!
Jyothi (Jo)
Bean salad makes a great satisfying and filling meals. It's not just delicious but it's so hearty, filling and a refreshing salad
Sara
Thi looks like a filling side! I love cannellini beans so this is something I could totally dig into at a picnic or potluck!
Daun
Unexpectedly delicious! The flavors are spectacular together! It is a new family favorite!!!!!!!
Analida
Thank you so much Daun! I am glad you and your family enjoyed the bean salad!