Go Back

Tuna and White Bean Salad

A quick, fresh, and satisfying salad made with pantry staples, perfect for a healthy meal any time of the year.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Quick Meal, Salad
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 cans canned tuna, drained Preferably packed in olive oil for better flavor.
  • 1 can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced Rinse in cold water if too sharp.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice For a bright, sunny dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil For richness.
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
Optional Extras
  • capers For added flavor.
  • diced cucumber
  • celery
  • arugula
  • a pinch red pepper flakes For a little heat.

Method
 

Make the Dressing
  1. Add lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a jar. Shake until creamy.
  2. Taste and adjust sweetness with a small pinch of sugar or honey if needed.
Prep the Mix-ins
  1. Rinse and drain beans until they are not foamy.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Slice the red onion.
  4. Chop the parsley. Dice cucumber or celery if adding.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine beans, tuna, tomatoes, onion, and parsley.
  2. Gently break up the tuna with a spoon while keeping it in bite-sized flakes.
Dress the Salad
  1. Pour most of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  2. Taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as necessary.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes for flavors to bloom, then serve cool or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add tomatoes and parsley right before serving for freshness. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle flaky salt before serving for extra flair.