Easy Tuscan Bean Salad

Make this protein-rich salad when you want a hearty and satisfying meal that's also full of Mediterranean flavors. No cooking required, one bowl, and prepped in just 15 minutes!

I love making summer salads that are versatile and portable, especially when there is no actual cooking involved. This fresh and tangy Tuscan bean salad is nutritious, easy, and perfect for a potluck or picnic.

If you make it on a regular basis like I do, you can have fun with it and substitute your favorite beans, veggies, herbs, etc. depending on your mood.

It's slightly creamy from white beans, with a subtle bite from red onion and scallions, and it's rounded out with sweet tomatoes and briny black olives. Zippy garlic vinaigrette and aromatic basil bring the whole salad together, and in just 15 minutes!

It makes for a satisfying lunch, side salad, or serve it with sourdough rosemary focaccia for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

Jump to:

• ⭐️ Why This Salad is the Best
• 🍅 Ingredient Notes
• 🔪 Recipe Instructions
• ⏲ Expert Tips & Tricks
• Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
• 📋 Variations
• How To Serve Bean Salad
• 🥗 More Salad Recipes
• Tuscan Bean Salad Recipe

⭐️ Why This Salad is the Best

• Fresh, bright, tangy, creamy, aromatic, and savory
• Naturally vegan/dairy-free/plant-based and gluten-free
• Super easy: One-bowl, no cooking required, and ready in less than 15 minutes
• Protein-rich and full of fiber to leave you feeling satisfied throughout the day
• Versatile: Tuscan bean salad works as a light lunch, side salad, or healthy dinner when served with a crusty roll or piece of bread.

🍅 Ingredient Notes

• Cannellini beans - a good source of fiber with a creamy texture
• Garbanzo beans - rich in protein and fiber, and they add a slight crunch
• Artichoke hearts - provide creaminess and are full of potassium and calcium
• Black olives - they bring a lovely brininess and counteract the sweetness of the tomatoes
• Red onion - adds a spicy bite
• Tomatoes - you can use 1 whole tomato or a cup of canned (diced) tomatoes
• Basil - adds fresh aromatics
• White wine vinegar - brings subtle tanginess; red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice will all work just fine.

🔪 Recipe Instructions

*See recipe card below for printable instructions.

In a large bowl, add bean salad ingredients and stir until well combined.

In a small bowl, add white wine vinegar and garlic and whisk together. Slowly add olive oil and whisk until well combined.

Add vinaigrette to salad and toss well to coat thoroughly. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

⏲ Expert Tips & Tricks

• Mix and match your favorite beans. You can use navy beans, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas to change up the flavor and texture.
• Serve at room temperature. For optimal flavor, serve at room temperature. If it's served directly from the refrigerator, the taste will be somewhat muted.
• Drain and rinse beans. Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove the salt, etc. If using canned artichoke hearts, these should be drained and rinsed as well.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

• Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored (covered) in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

📋 Variations

• Add grains. For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of (cooked) barley, quinoa, rice, or farro.
• Add parmesan. If you don't have issues with dairy, parmesan adds a wonderful salty and nutty bite.
• Add more herbs. Fresh (or dried) parsley, rosemary, or thyme would all be delicious here.
• Add avocado. For added protein, healthy fats, and creaminess!

How To Serve Bean Salad

Serve as a side salad alongside baked salmon, portobello burgers, or meatballs. It can also be served as a main dish when accompanied with potatoes, like my red skin mashed potatoes with garlic or roasted red potatoes with cilantro chimichurri.

🥗 More Salad Recipes

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

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