Italian White Bean Salad

Name: Italian White Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1-15 ounce can white beans* (rinsed and drained (1½ cups)); 1 cup cherry tomatoes ((or grape tomatoes) quartered); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar; salt and pepper (to taste); ¼ cup basil leaves (torn or roughly chopped)

15 minutes are all you need to make this refreshing Italian White Bean Salad featuring tender beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet basil. Serve this vegan Mediterranean dish as a side with everything from sandwiches to pasta. It's also wonderful as a light meal with some crusty bread.

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Special diet: gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan

Bowls of Italian White Bean Salad topped with sprigs of fresh basil

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White beans, also known as white kidney beans, cannellini beans, navy beans, and Great Northern beans, are a versatile ingredient. They are wonderful for making recipes like creamy white bean dip and smoky white bean tomato soup.

And I love creating vegan lettuce-free salads with them, like sun-dried tomato bean salad and this Italian white bean salad.

It features the classic Mediterranean combination of tomatoes, garlic, and basil found in dishes like pasta pomodoro and bruschetta. But instead of spaghetti or bread, it stars tender and creamy white beans. This simple salad will delight your tastebuds with a vibrant symphony of flavors.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Variations
Instructions
Serving suggestions
Storing
Recipe FAQs
More vegan bean salad recipes
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Why you'll love this recipe

You can make it in 15 minutes with only 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
It doesn't require any actual cooking, just some slicing and opening a can.
The beans make it substantial enough enjoy as a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients

Canned white beans (cannellini, Great Northern, and navy all work great)
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Fresh garlic
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil

Variations

Add your favorite ingredients to the mix like red onions, red bell peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, or capers
Give it a spicy kick with a few sprinkles of crushed red pepper flakes
Use other fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or tarragon
If cherry or grape tomatoes are unavailable, chop up a couple of larger firm tomatoes like Roma tomatoes instead
Turn it into a panzanella bread salad by adding oven-dried cubes of sourdough or your favorite bread
Sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese on top or add some cubes of marinated feta-style tofu

For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Bowl of Vegan Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad with Tofu Feta.

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Instructions

Assembling this Italian White Bean Salad is very easy. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and toss well to combine. You don't even need to prepare the dressing separately.

Serving suggestions

Close up overhead image of bowl of salad

I often make this recipe for lunch or dinner when it's warm and I don't want to cook.

I also like to bring it to potlucks and barbecues. And it's perfect as a side dish with Mediterranean baked tofu tacos, chilled Spanish gazpacho soup, or a simple spaghetti or penne tossed with quick tomato paste pasta sauce.

Storing

Leftover Italian white bean salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. But it's best served the day it was prepared since the basil will wilt. I do not recommend freezing it.

Recipe FAQs

Is there another name for white beans?

While they are technically different varieties and their flavors are subtly different, Great Northern, cannellini (white kidney), navy, and baby lima beans are all considered white beans and can be used in this recipe.

What are Italian white beans called?

Cannellini is the name for Italian white beans. They are also called white kidney beans.

Are cannellini beans and white kidney beans the same thing?

Yes, they are one in the same.

More vegan bean salad recipes

And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!

Love and Veggies,

Amy

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