Chilled Tomato and Mint Cannellini Bean Salad
This refreshing Chilled Tomato and Mint Cannellini Bean Salad combines the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh mint with the creamy texture of cannellini beans. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this vibrant salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The blend of fresh ingredients is enhanced by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar, making it a delightful option for warm weather dining. Garnish with extra mint leaves for a burst of flavor and color, and enjoy the wholesome goodness in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
4 (Blanched, peeled, and coarsely chopped)
Cannellini beans
2 (400 g) cans (Drained and rinsed)
Garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Mint leaves
2/3 cup (Torn)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and ice.
2
Blanch the tomatoes in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them and immediately transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3
Once the tomatoes are cool, peel off the skins and coarsely chop the flesh.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, finely chopped garlic, and torn mint leaves.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture.
6
Season the salad with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly combined.
7
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in the Chilled Tomato and Mint Cannellini Bean Salad?
The main protein source in this salad is cannellini beans.
How many ripe tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 ripe tomatoes.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify blanching and peeling the tomatoes before chopping them.
How do I blanch tomatoes for this salad?
Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and make them easy to peel.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide a splash of acidity to the dressing.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor, you can use other high-quality oils if necessary.
How should the mint be prepared?
The mint leaves should be torn rather than finely chopped to release their aroma.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many cans of cannellini beans are used?
The recipe uses two 400g cans of cannellini beans.
Should the beans be cooked?
No, the canned beans only need to be drained and rinsed.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow flavors to meld.
What is the purpose of the ice bath?
The ice bath stops the cooking process of the tomatoes immediately after blanching.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning this salad.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it works well as a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a simple blend of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
How much mint is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of torn mint leaves.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to an hour before serving to enhance the flavor.
What type of texture do the cannellini beans provide?
The cannellini beans provide a creamy texture that contrasts with the fresh tomatoes.
How should I season the salad?
Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to your personal taste.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as incredibly easy to prepare with minimal steps.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, garnishing with extra mint leaves adds a burst of color and flavor.
What makes this salad refreshing?
The combination of fresh mint and chilled tomatoes makes it very refreshing, especially for warm weather.
How should I chop the tomatoes?
The tomato flesh should be coarsely chopped after peeling.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is highly recommended for the best flavor profile in this specific chilled salad.
How much olive oil is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much red wine vinegar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
Is this a summer dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is ideal for warm weather dining.
Are there any specific peppers recommended?
The recipe suggests using cracked black pepper for the best seasoning.