Tuscan Marinated White Bean Salad
This Tuscan Marinated White Bean Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the essence of Italian cuisine. Made with hearty cannellini beans and fresh vegetables, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients, making it both satisfying and healthy. The combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of spice creates a delightful balance that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or meal prep, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve it at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
chopped carrot
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (zested)
fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (used for dressing)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for heat)
cannellini beans
3 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, celery, carrot, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, sage, olive oil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, cannellini beans, and minced garlic.
2
Toss all the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring that the beans are coated in the oil and lemon juice mixture.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and blend beautifully.
4
If making ahead, you can refrigerate the salad for up to two days. Remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Marinated White Bean Salad?
It is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 15.5-ounce cans of cannellini beans, which are also known as white kidney beans.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is 100% vegetarian and is also suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products.
How do I prepare the cannellini beans?
The beans should be drained and rinsed thoroughly before being added to the mixing bowl.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots for a fresh and crunchy texture.
How long should the salad marinate?
It is recommended to let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad and refrigerate it for up to two days before serving.
What is the best temperature to serve this salad?
For the best taste and texture, this salad should be served at room temperature.
What kind of herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a combination of chopped fresh parsley and chopped fresh sage.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this to your preference.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be finely minced.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked dried beans. You would need approximately 4.5 to 5 cups of cooked cannellini beans.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is packed with protein from the beans and various nutrients from the fresh vegetables and herbs.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
While the beans provide protein, you could easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna if desired.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this Tuscan bean salad recipe.
What is the role of lemon zest in the recipe?
The tablespoon of lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic citrus note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with this white bean salad?
It works well as a side dish for grilled meats, crusty Italian bread, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the seasonings and beans.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While cannellini is traditional, you could substitute with Great Northern beans or chickpeas if necessary.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, as the flavors meld and improve over time, it is an excellent choice for meal prepping.
How finely should the vegetables be chopped?
The onion, celery, and carrot should be finely chopped so they blend well with the beans.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh measurement.
Does this salad contain any cholesterol?
As it is a plant-based recipe using olive oil, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is very portable and holds up well at room temperature, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
What should I do if the oil solidifies in the fridge?
Simply let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and give it a quick toss before serving.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta would be delicious additions if you don't require the dish to be vegan.