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Vibrant Italian Countryside Flavors

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This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines cannellini beans with colorful vegetables and herbs in a creamy, tangy dressing. Bell peppers, artichokes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes create a vibrant base, while fresh parsley, oregano, and basil add aromatic depth. The Parmesan-infused dressing blends olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and lemon for the perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook dish is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side to grilled proteins.

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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:55:42 GMT
A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. | tastygusto.com

This Tuscan White Bean Salad transports you straight to the Italian countryside with its vibrant flavors and rustic appeal. The creamy, tangy dressing brings together the Mediterranean ingredients for a dish that works equally well as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.

I first made this salad for a backyard gathering when I needed something substantial that could sit out without wilting. It was such a hit that guests kept coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. Now it's my go-to for summer potlucks.

Ingredients

  • White Northern beans: Bring protein and a creamy texture that absorbs all the amazing flavors
  • Cherry tomatoes: Add bursts of sweetness and juicy texture
  • Artichoke hearts: Provide earthy flavor and meaty texture
  • Red onion: Contributes a sharp bite that balances the creamy dressing
  • Bell peppers: Offer crunch and vibrant color, choose a mix for visual appeal
  • Black olives: Deliver that quintessential Mediterranean salty note
  • Sun dried tomatoes (optional): Add intense umami flavor
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, and basil): Essential for authentic Tuscan flavor
  • Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness to the dressing
  • Honey: Balances the acidity with just the right touch of sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:
Begin by rinsing the white beans in a colander until water runs clear. While draining, halve cherry tomatoes, chop artichoke hearts, slice red onion very thinly, dice bell peppers, slice olives, and chop sun dried tomatoes if using. Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
Chop the herbs:
Finely chop the fresh parsley, oregano, and basil. The smaller the chop, the more evenly the herbs will distribute throughout the salad. Add to the bowl with vegetables.
Make the dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, honey, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine and marinate:
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and gently fold everything together with a large spoon or rubber spatula. Be careful not to mash the beans. For best flavor, let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving, though it can be enjoyed immediately.
Season to taste:
Just before serving, give the salad a final taste and add a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. The flavors will have melded beautifully.
A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. | tastygusto.com

My secret ingredient in this salad is actually the touch of honey in the dressing. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of sugar for a different recipe, and now I never make this dressing without it. The subtle sweetness perfectly balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.

Make It a Meal

This versatile salad can easily become a complete meal with a few simple additions. Try adding grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. For a truly Tuscan experience, serve it alongside grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The beans soak up all the delicious dressing, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.

Storage Tips

This salad holds up remarkably well in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything marinates together. If making ahead for a party, I recommend adding half the dressing initially and reserving the remainder to refresh the salad just before serving. The herbs may darken slightly, but the taste remains delicious.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this Tuscan bean salad lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap cannellini beans for the Northern beans, or use a combination of bean varieties for interesting texture. Not a fan of olives? Replace them with capers for a similar salty bite. During summer, try adding diced cucumber for extra freshness. For a heartier version perfect for cooler weather, add cubes of salami or prosciutto.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad at room temperature for the fullest flavor profile. It makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or fish, particularly anything with Italian herbs or lemon. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a shallow bowl lined with fresh basil leaves and topped with shaved Parmesan. This dish is substantial enough to be the centerpiece of a light lunch, especially when paired with crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine.

A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of food with tomatoes, beans, and herbs. | tastygusto.com

This Tuscan salad is bound to become a go-to recipe for its vibrant flavors and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Tuscan White Bean Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

→ What can I substitute for Northern white beans?

Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or navy beans all work wonderfully in this salad. You could also use chickpeas for a different texture, though it will slightly alter the traditional Tuscan flavor profile.

→ Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. It contains Parmesan cheese, which some vegetarians avoid due to rennet, so you can substitute with a vegetarian Parmesan alternative if needed.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor. Also, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or use additional olive oil with a touch of Dijon mustard for creaminess.

→ What protein would pair well with this salad?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or Italian-style sausages. For vegetarian options, try serving it with grilled halloumi cheese or alongside a frittata.

→ How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as they have time to blend together.

Tuscan White Bean Salad

A vibrant medley of white beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs tossed in a creamy Parmesan-herb dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 10 Servings (10 side-dish portions)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad Base

01 5 cans (15 oz each) white Northern beans, rinsed and drained
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 ½ cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
04 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
05 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
06 ½ cup black olives, thinly sliced
07 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (optional)

→ Fresh Herbs

08 ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
09 ½ cup fresh oregano, finely chopped
10 ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
11 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Dressing

13 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
14 ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
15 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
16 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
17 4 tablespoons honey
18 1 teaspoon garlic powder
19 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
20 Juice of 1 small lemon
21 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
22 ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse and drain the white beans. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the artichoke hearts, thinly slice the red onion, dice the bell peppers, and slice the olives. If using, chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 02

Finely chop the parsley, oregano, and basil.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, honey, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.

Step 04

In a large bowl, combine the beans, vegetables, and herbs. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 05

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 06

For best flavor, let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  1. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. For a lighter version, reduce the olive oil to ½ cup.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork for dressing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 12 g