Oh, the joys of a fresh salad! Especially when it’s this bright and zesty lemony white bean creation that’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate. Imagine the way the tangy lemon dances with the creamy beans—it’s like they’re waltzing at a summer party, and everyone’s invited. It reminds me of those late-spring picnics where the grass is still a little wet but the air smells like new beginnings.
Steps
- Start by preparing the lemon vinaigrette. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk them together.
- Open and rinse two cans of cannellini beans thoroughly under running water, then allow them to drain completely.
- Finely slice a quarter of a red onion and chop about two tablespoons of fresh parsley. Add these to a bowl with the drained beans.
- Pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the bean mixture. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Two 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1492mg | Fiber: 28g
FAQ
- What ingredients are included in the Lemony White Bean Salad?
- The salad consists of white beans, thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, and a simple homemade lemon vinaigrette.
- Which type of white beans are recommended for this salad?
- Cannellini beans are recommended due to their size and firmness, which helps them hold their shape. Butter beans are also a suitable choice, but it’s best to avoid navy beans or great northern beans for this recipe.
- What can I serve with the Lemony White Bean Salad?
- This salad pairs well with Garlic Marinated Chicken, pita bread, Mediterranean Turkey Burgers, Baked Cod, or Chimichurri Chicken Kebabs. It can also be a delightful addition to a Hummus Lunch Box.
- How can I enhance the Lemony White Bean Salad?
- You can add ingredients like fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, fresh spinach, various herbs (such as scallions, chives, basil, tarragon, cilantro, rosemary), cucumbers, sautéed kale, tuna, grilled chicken, thinly sliced radishes, or diced avocado to enhance the salad.
- How long will the Lemony White Bean Salad stay fresh?
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is recommended to stir it well before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beans: Opt for large and firm beans like cannellini or butter beans to ensure they hold their shape when mixed. Avoid using navy or great northern beans as they may become too soft.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette First: Mix the lemon vinaigrette before assembling the salad to allow the flavors to meld together for a more robust taste.
- Enhance the Salad: Customize the salad by adding ingredients like fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or fresh herbs such as basil or chives to add variety and use up pantry items.
- Chill for Better Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors blend more thoroughly. Stir well before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Equipment
- Whisk – for making the vinaigrette.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the salad ingredients.
- Chef’s knife – for slicing the red onion and chopping the parsley.
- Cutting board – for preparing the ingredients.
