This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a commission. Read my disclosure page here.
Looking for a healthy and flavorful lunch option? Try this delicious tuna white bean salad! Packed with protein and nutrients, it is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we'll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Back in my college days, when the fridge was empty and I had no time to grocery shop, I often had to get creative with whatever I had in the pantry: a can of tuna, a can of white beans, olive oil, and a few random spices. One time, I made this tuna white bean salad, and to my surprise, it was simple, delicious, and filling. Over the years, I have tried different variations and the salad has evolved to include red onions, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh parsley. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Healthy Tuna White Bean Salad
This low-calorie salad is made with only 5 main ingredients and tossed in a light dressing. White beans, tuna, red onion, scallions, and parsley are what you need for the salad. The bright, lemony vinaigrette is made with heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Very simple, but oh-so-flavorful! The lemon juice adds so much freshness to the salad, and the beans have a delicious and creamy taste. I love to pile it onto bread or dip and scoop it up with sourdough.
Be sure to also try my Mediterranean Tuna Salad and Tuna Pasta Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Flavorful: This 10-minute lunch recipe tastes amazing with vibrant fresh flavors.
- A handful of ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe. Most of them you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
- Quick recipe: Prep time is minimal, you can quickly meal prep the ingredients ahead of time and make lunch or dinner during the week a breeze.
Ingredients
- Canned white beans: Great Northern or Cannellini beans are great for this salad.
- Canned tuna: I prefer White Albacore Tuna In water or Chunk Light Tuna in water.
- Fresh vegetables: green onions, small red onion, lemon (can sub a tablespoon or two of cider vinegar), Optionally, you could also add chopped celery for more texture and minced clove garlic for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs: fresh parsley. Alternatively, you can add other herbs like fresh basil or rosemary
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: you can use light virgin olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Seasonings: salt, fresh ground black pepper
- Optional add-ins: Sometimes I also add halved cherry tomatoes, olives. You can add your favorite veggies.
How To Make Tuna White Bean Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, tuna, red onion, parsley, and scallions.
- In a small bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
- Add the dressing and add freshly chopped parsley to the salad, and toss gently until well combined.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Refrigerate for 1 hour or serve immediately.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled. It has a much brighter and fresher flavor and makes all the difference!
- Canned beans work perfectly fine here, just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
- I think this salad tastes even better when you let it sit for a little bit or overnight as it allows all the flavors to develop.
Serving Suggestions
If you would like to make this salad for lunch, you could serve it in a gluten-free wrap, croissant, or on a slice of bread as a sandwich. It’s amazing! I think it tastes even better the next day after it has been refrigerated overnight – the longer it sits, the more the beans and tuna soak up the tasty lemony dressing.
Storing Tips
I usually store the salad in an airtight container or large jar in the refrigerator for about 1 – 2 days. After that, it may become too soggy.
White Bean Tuna Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy Meal
I love that this Tuna White Bean Salad is so easy to make. It requires no cooking time (if you use canned beans), and takes about 10-15 minutes to put together. Whether you are looking for a last-minute dish to bring to a potluck, or want to prepare a nutritious and satisfying lunch for the workweek, this salad is perfect!
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how you like it!
More Easy and Filling Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this Tuna White Bean Salad recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Save This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 oz cooked white kidney or navy beans, (you can use canned beans) drained and rinsed
- 10 oz drained canned tuna
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, tuna, red onion, and scallions.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
- Add the dressing and cut fresh parsley to the salad, and toss gently until well combined. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Refrigerate for 1 hour or serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled. It has a much brighter and fresher flavor and makes all the difference!
- Canned beans work perfectly fine here, just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
- This salad tastes even better when you let it sit for a little bit or overnight as it allows all the flavors to develop.
Delicious, healthy and simple recipe. I added celery, garlic and mrs. dash onion & herb seasoning. It got rave reviews! Thank you