Italian Bean Salad: A Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Side Dish
This Italian Bean Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 5 minutes! Packed with protein and fiber, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and heart-healthy. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (or Great Northern/navy beans)
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil (2 ⅓ tbsp total)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp + ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Drain & rinse all beans in a colander under cold water. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add chopped parsley to the beans.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the beans and gently toss to combine.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. If refrigerated, let sit for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving.
Variations:
- Italian White Bean Salad: Skip black beans, use only cannellini & chickpeas. Add cherry tomatoes or red onion.
- 5-Bean Salad: Add pinto beans & green beans (double the dressing).
- 7-Bean Salad: Include butter beans & wax beans (adjust dressing as needed).
Notes
✔ Rinse the beans well to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
✔ Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
✔ For extra freshness, add diced tomatoes, red onion, or bell peppers.
✔ If making ahead, store in the fridge but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 54kcal per serving
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 246mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g