10-Minute Marinated White Bean and Tuna Salad Recipe
A quick and refreshing 10-minute marinated white bean salad featuring a mix of cannellini and navy beans, fresh herbs, and high-quality jarred tuna. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, this salad combines bright citrus and vinegar dressing with tender beans and delicate tuna for an easy, flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Beans and Tuna
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (6.7 oz) jar tuna fillets, high quality (such as Tonnino)
Fresh Herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing & Other Ingredients
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp tarragon vinegar (or substitute with red wine, white wine, or champagne vinegar)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from ½ a lemon)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, tarragon vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Add the thinly sliced shallot to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the beans and herbs: Add the rinsed and drained cannellini and navy beans into the dressing bowl. Then add the chopped fresh herbs—dill, basil, oregano, and parsley. Gently toss everything to coat the beans with the dressing and distribute the herbs evenly. You can refrigerate this marinated bean mixture to enhance flavors for later use or leave it at room temperature if serving soon.
- Add the tuna and serve: When ready to serve, carefully place the jarred tuna fillets on top of the bean salad, trying to keep them intact and avoid breaking into small pieces. Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on the tuna for added texture and flavor. Optionally, add extra black pepper or fresh herbs to taste before serving immediately.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, allowing the beans to marinate and absorb the flavors for a more intense taste.
- Use high-quality jarred tuna to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs are key to adding brightness; feel free to adjust the herb quantities or types according to preference.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature for best results.
- The dressing can be customized with different types of vinegar depending on availability and flavor preference.
