“`html
If you love vibrant, fresh salads that are packed with wholesome ingredients and full of lively flavors, this Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a fantastic twist on traditional tabbouleh, combining the bright freshness of parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers with creamy white beans for a satisfying and nutritious dish. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a colorful side at your next get-together, this salad balances zesty lemon and garlic dressed in silky olive oil, making every bite incredibly refreshing and utterly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the party, whether it’s crunch, brightness, earthiness, or silkiness. Nothing complicated here, just quality produce and pantry staples coming together to create a soulful dish.
- White beans (800g / 24 oz, drained): Cannellini or butter beans work beautifully for a creamy texture and a protein boost.
- Tomatoes (4, diced): Fresh, juicy tomatoes add a pop of vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Cucumbers (3, diced): Crisp cucumbers bring cooling crunch that’s essential in tabbouleh.
- Red onion (½, finely chopped): Just the right kick of sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Parsley (1 cup, roughly chopped): The star herb, generously scattered for that iconic, fresh tabbouleh flavor.
- Mint (â…“ cup, roughly chopped): Adds a fragrant freshness that lifts the entire salad.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): For bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the beans.
- Extra virgin olive oil (4 tbsp): Creates a smooth, luscious dressing that clings beautifully to every bite.
- Garlic (1 small clove, minced): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (½ tsp): A touch of smooth, tangy spice to bind the dressing ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp each): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the salad.
How to Make Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by placing the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper into a jar or small bowl. Give it a vigorous shake or a whisk to combine all those bold, aromatic flavors into a silky dressing that will elevate the entire salad. This simple step ensures every bit of the salad is kissed with a zesty, garlicky punch.
Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained white beans, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, parsley, and mint. Pour most of the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. This method lets the flavors mingle while keeping the beans intact so they add that filling, creamy texture without breaking down.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your freshly tossed salad into a serving bowl and drizzle any remaining dressing on top for an extra burst of flavor. This salad is best enjoyed fresh when the herbs are lively and the veggies retain their delightful crunch.
How to Serve Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top to add a nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft beans. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to add an extra squeeze of brightness if they please.
Side Dishes
This Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even falafel as a healthy, fresh complement. It also makes a colorful side alongside pita bread and hummus to create an enticing Mediterranean-inspired spread everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad scooped into hollowed-out tomatoes or stuffed in pita pockets for a delightful handheld treat. Another idea is layering it in clear glasses with alternating layers of beans and veggies for a stunning, colorful presentation that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will actually deepen slightly, but for the best texture, keep the salad airtight to stop the herbs and cucumbers from wilting.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh vegetables and herbs, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and brightness. Enjoy it fresh for maximum flavor and crunch.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to enjoy it slightly warmed, bring it to room temperature rather than reheating in a microwave to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans for this salad?
Absolutely! Canned white beans like cannellini or navy beans are perfect and make this salad super quick to prepare. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well for the best taste and texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding bell peppers, radishes, or even a sprinkle of oregano. Just remember to keep the parsley and mint as the star herbs to maintain that classic tabbouleh vibe.
How long does this salad keep its freshness?
Best within 1 to 2 days stored in the fridge. The herbs and cucumbers may start to soften after that, but it often still tastes great if eaten within 48 hours.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy ingredients, or toss the salad with dressing fresh each time you serve.
Final Thoughts
This Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you find yourself making again and again because it’s just so fresh, satisfying, and easy to pull together. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a colorful, flavorful package. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will have a permanent place on your menu, especially when you want something bright and nourishing without any fuss.
“`
Print
Tabbouleh White Bean Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Tabbouleh White Bean Salad featuring tender white beans combined with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon and garlic dressing. This healthy and filling salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 800g / 24 oz (2 cans) white beans (cannellini, navy/haricot, or butter beans), drained
- 4 tomatoes, cut into 1.25cm / 1/2″ pieces
- 3 cucumbers (or 1 1/2 long English/Telegraph cucumbers), cut into 1.25cm / 1/2″ pieces
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup parsley, roughly chopped (1 large bunch)
- 1/3 cup mint, roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced using garlic press
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt (kosher/cooking salt or 1/4 tsp table salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Place the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper into a jar. Shake well until all ingredients are combined into a smooth dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained white beans, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Use good quality canned white beans drained well to avoid excess moisture.
- Note 2: Dijon mustard adds a nice tang but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Note 3: For extra texture, rinse and dry the beans well before adding to the salad.
