This flavorful cannellini bean salad recipe uses Italian white beans and is loaded with delicious Mediterranean flavors. It’s one of my favorite salads that I make all year from spring through winter and only takes less than 15 minutes to make!
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Recipe Summary
I don’t even recall when I first created this recipe, but it’s been many years ago. It’s changed little over the years despite it’s flexibility with ingredients. I love using it as a meal unto itself or as a side dish with other Italian recipes such as chicken dishes, pasta or even pizzas.
Most of the ingredients are from a jar or can, making it a quick dish to prepare. Basically, take all the prepped ingredients and mix together in a bowl along with some olive oil and vinegar.
I give you lots of helpful tips and step by step instructions. Plus if you scroll down just a bit, you’ll see the video I recently added for this post. I go into detail so feel free to follow along!
Ingredients
For this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients.
- Canned Cannellini beans
- Extra virgin Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar (or red/white wine vinegar)
- Kalamata olives (pitted)
- Diced tomatoes with juices
- Roasted red pepper from a jar
- Chopped garlic
- Artichoke hearts – from jar or can
- Fresh mozzarella balls (optional)
- Fresh arugula (optional)
PRO TIP: Make this recipe in advance the day before and let the ingredients absorb more of the olive oil and vinegar. You can store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step by Step Instructions
For exact measurements check out the recipe card below. These steps provide some tips and let you know what’s involved.
Step 1. Start by slicing a garlic clove in half and using the open face rub it all around the inside of the bowl.
Step 2. Chop the garlic cloves into small pieces – diced – and add to the bowl.
PRO TIP: If you love garlic, I recommend 2-3 cloves. For the more timid, I recommend one clove.
Step 3. Rinse the cannellini beans in a strainer and add to the bowl.
Step 4. Chop the tomatoes, kalamata olives and roasted red pepper into equal sizes and add to the bowl.
Step 5. Drain the artichoke hearts and sqeeze out any excess liquid. We don’t want to have a soggy salad. I chop these up larger than the other ingredients.
Step 6. Add the extra virgin olive oil and vinegar and mix well. Make sure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
PRO TIP: You don’t have to use apple cider vinegar, but I love the flavor with this salad and its health benefits. You can use red wine or white wine vinegar as an alternative.
Your salad is ready to serve!
Recipe Video
For those who appreciate video tutorials, you can follow along with me in this YouTube video. If you haven’t subscribed to my channel, you can do so here.
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Recipe Card
More tips are down below the card in the post. Enjoy!
Awesome Recipe for Italian Cannellini Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz canned cannellini beans rinsed
- 2-3 cloves finely chopped garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives feel free to use mixed olives too
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers from a jar
- 1/3 cup chopped artichoke hearts Optional
Instructions
- Rub the bowl with the inside of a garlic clove2-3 cloves finely chopped garlic
- Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well.2-3 cloves finely chopped garlic, 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, 1/3 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, 1/3 cup chopped artichoke hearts, 1 15 oz canned cannellini beans
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Add or remove any ingredients. For example, some red onion or fresh mozzarella. Remove the tomatoes if you do not care for tomatoes or just use the tomatoes if you don’t care for the roasted red peppers. Experiment to find what you like.
- This recipe goes great with just about any Italian main dish or can be a meal unto itself.
- See full post for additional helpful recipe tips.
- Store in an air tight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Salad Modifications
Here are some ways you can modify your cannellini bean salad. Be creative and experiment. Let me know how it goes in the comments below.
- If cannellini beans aren’t in your pantry, try using white kidney beans, they are close to being the same thing.
- Add in some fresh mozzarella balls, sliced onions, raw red pepper, or even some healthy quinoa!
- Add some fresh arugula for a peppery flavor throughout.
What to Serve it With
Serve this bean salad with some toasted artisan bread which will taste great with the olive oil.
Use alongside Italian chicken and pasta recipes, potato dishes, or with an easy dish of pasta.
Similar Recipes You May enjoy
Italian chickpea salad – This recipe also is high in protein and uses chickpeas as the staple legume.
Italian cannellini bean soup– If you like cannellini beans, you’ll really enjoy this delicious soup full of them!
I hope you enjoy this recipe for cannellini bean salad. Let me know below in the comments! If you want more recipes and Italian tips, make sure to join our growing email list and follow us on social!
This is great dish to take to a potluck gathering.