This refreshing cannellini bean, parsley, tomato, and red onion salad is perfect for a hot summer day or night. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips, a relish over grilled chicken, or toss it with your favorite greens. It's quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile!
Take it anywhere - to a picnic, the beach, or even the office (if you must!). It's light, portable, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
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The Recipe That Took a Week to Perfect
After a week of testing and tasting, this version of cannellini bean salad is the winner in my house. My family agreed - it's both delicious and pretty. Bright tomatoes, fresh parsley, and crisp red onions add just the right amount of color and crunch.
Why Are Cannellini Beans Called White Kidney Beans?
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are common in Tuscan and Italian cuisine. Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them a staple in Mediterranean cooking.
These beans date back to ancient Greek and Roman diets and are packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals - making them both wholesome and satisfying.
FAQ: Tips for the Best Cannellini Bean Salad
You can make it a day ahead, but add the dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.
No - freezing will make the ingredients wilt and lose their crunch.
It's best eaten the same day or the next. After one day, it will start to lose its crisp texture.
Perfect for Parties and Picnics
This no-refrigeration summer salad is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for last-minute gatherings. It's quick, healthy, and looks gorgeous on the table. Trust me - it won't last long!
More Fresh Salads to Try
- Vietnamese Pho Tron is a beef salad with a 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.
📖 Recipe
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 tablespoon tarragon fresh, chopped
- 2 tablespoon curley parsley fresh, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon 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 says
I love fresh and light salads like this--so tasty!
Analida says
Thanks Kristen! 🙂
Ellen says
I would love to take this to the office. I'm sure co-workers would be envious!
Analida says
Ellen, they would. If they are anything like my co-workers, they will gobble it up.
Tommy says
This recipe rocks and so easy to make!
Analida says
It is very easy!
Sheila says
This salad was absolutely delicious! Perfect for a summer evening. Thanks Analida. xoxo
Analida says
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 says
Bean salads like this are SO refreshing on hot summer days. Yours looks great!
Analida says
Thanks Ashley! I hope you enjoy this one. 🙂
Elaine Benoit says
I love bean salad and this cannellini been salad loos superb! It's fresh and delicious! Awesome recipe!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
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 says
This is a great dish to take along, stays fresh and no mayo spoilage risk. Enjoy!
Corina Blum says
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 says
I can sit down and eat a bowl of this easily!
Gloria says
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 says
This is one of my favorite combos with white beans. It's such a great summer salad!
lauren says
Such a hearty, but light side dish! Kidney beans are so delicious. This is perfect anytime of year!
Amanda Mason says
This looks so good! I can see myself eating this as a snack with some tortilla chips! Perfect for a healthy appetizer, too!
Lorie says
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 says
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 says
Love all the flavors here! Cannellini are my favorite beans but never had them this way, can't wait to try them!
Jyothi (Jo) says
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 says
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 says
Unexpectedly delicious! The flavors are spectacular together! It is a new family favorite!!!!!!!
Analida says
Thank you so much Daun! I am glad you and your family enjoyed the bean salad!