Imagine a salad so vibrant, so bursting with flavor, that it turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure. This Marinated White Bean Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you'll create a dish that looks like it took hours to prepare, impressing everyone from casual lunch guests to discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess canning liquid, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, ensuring each half is roughly the same size for uniform presentation.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, consistent pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Chop fresh parsley leaves, discarding the thick stems, to create fine, fragrant herb pieces.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the white beans, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in the mixing bowl.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating and distribution of the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
Tips
- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve overall flavor.
- Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can wait 2-3 hours, the flavors will be even more incredible.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar for the best dressing results.
- For extra depth, consider adding a minced garlic clove to the dressing.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
