Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite. This Cannellini Bean, Tomato, and Basil Salad is not just a side dish—it's a culinary journey that combines the creamy texture of beans, the burst of fresh tomatoes, and the aromatic magic of basil. Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or as a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium from the canning liquid.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically from stem to bottom, ensuring even and uniform sizes.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, consistent pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cannellini beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces, releasing their aromatic oils, and add them to the bean and tomato mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean mixture, ensuring all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients without breaking the beans or crushing the tomatoes.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Use the freshest basil leaves possible for maximum aroma and taste.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best taste and texture.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a more refined dressing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
