Tuna and White Bean Salad with herby sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, creamy beans, tangy onions, olive oil-packed tuna, and lemon dressing!
If you’ve got extra white beans add them to white bean soup, white bean salsa, or this easy sausage soup!
author’s note
The High-Protein Salad That Saves Lunch!
If I’m craving something quick, light, and packed with flavor, this is the recipe I turn to. It’s fresh, tangy, and full of ingredients that actually make me feel good after eating.
I love a good creamy tuna salad, but sometimes I want something a little lighter, and this is my go-to. Tuna is one of those lunch staples I can always count on. Even when the fridge is running low, I usually have a can or two in the pantry.
This salad also uses a few other pantry staples I always have around, like white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and a simple homemade dressing. It all comes together fast and makes the perfect easy lunch.
Ingredients In Tuna And White Bean Salad
- Cannellini Beans: Rinse and drain well to avoid a mushy salad.
- Tuna: Use tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor.
- Italian Parsley: Flat-leaf has more flavor. Finely chop to spread it evenly.
- Red Onion: If too strong, soak in salted ice water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use ones packed in herbs for extra flavor.
Dressing
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra-virgin oil for the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: I like Hellman’s for its creamy texture. Light mayo works too.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tang and flavor to the salad.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Use fresh lemons for brightness and extra flavor.
- Dijon Mustard and Honey: These balance tang with sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh or jarred both work.
Tuna And White Bean Salad Tips
- Use Olive Oil-Packed Tuna: It’s richer and fresher. I like Genova® albacore.
- Toast Bread: Toast before topping to prevent sogginess.
- Choose Flat-Leaf Parsley: More flavorful than curly parsley.
- Pick Julienne Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Herbed and pre-cut for easy prep and extra flavor.
Quick Tip
Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to five days. If it clumps, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and shake well before using.
Variations
Switch Things Up!
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Add a splash on toast or a bagel for extra flavor.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap Veggies: Use roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes.
Storage
Storage
To keep the Tuna-White Bean Salad fresh, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It’s best eaten on the day it is made.
More Tuna Recipes:
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayo I love Hellman’s/Best Foods
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in olive oil drained
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- Serving suggestions see note 1
Instructions
- Zest and juice lemon to get 1/4 teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice. Combine juice and zest with all dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Finely chop parsley, dice onion, and coarsely chop tomatoes. (Get measurements after chopping).
- In a large bowl, mix drained and rinsed beans, drained tuna, chopped parsley, diced onion, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Enjoy immediately as is, in lettuce wraps, or on toasted bread. This salad is best when fresh and does not store well.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was delicious! My whole family loved it. Definitely a make again recipe. Thanks for sharing.
So glad to hear that! Thank you for the comment 🙂
Made this for dinner tonight and used lettuce wraps and it was delish! Paired nicely with carrot tomato soup for dinner.
Yum! I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thanks Asha! 🙂
Looks yummy! If someone is allergic to tuna would canned chicken be a good sub?
Thanks Heather! Yes that would work well too 🙂