Tabbouleh White Bean Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tabbouleh White Bean Salad is a refreshing, healthy, and vibrant dish that combines the heartiness of white beans with the freshness of vegetables and herbs. The tangy lemon dressing elevates the flavors of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant parsley and mint, making this salad a perfect side dish or light meal. It’s Mediterranean-inspired, nutrient-packed, and simple to prepare, making it ideal for meal prepping, picnics, or light lunches.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 800g / 24 oz (2 cans) white beans (e.g., cannellini, navy/haricot, butter beans), drained

• 4 tomatoes, cut into 1.25 cm (½”) pieces

• 3 cucumbers (or 1 ½ long English/Telegraph cucumbers), cut into 1.25 cm (½”) pieces

• ½ red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup parsley, roughly chopped (1 large bunch)

• ⅓ cup mint, roughly chopped

For the Lemon Dressing:

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (or substitute yellow mustard or omit)

• ½ tsp kosher salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)

• ½ tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dressing:

1. Place all the dressing ingredients (lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper) in a jar.

2. Shake well to combine until the dressing emulsifies.

Prepare the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the white beans, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint.

Toss and Serve:

1. Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 (as a side), 4–5 (as a meal)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes (if using dried beans)

• Total Time: 15 minutes (using canned beans)

Variations

• Chickpeas: If you prefer, substitute white beans with chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or radishes for extra color and crunch.

• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for a spicy variation.

• Grains: For added texture, toss in some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat to give the salad a more traditional tabbouleh feel.

Storage

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the tomato may lose its juiciness, you can freshen it up with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before serving.

• Dried Beans: If using dried beans, soak 1 ¼ cups of beans for 5–24 hours. Then, cook them in a large pot of salted water until tender (about 25 minutes for fresh cannellini beans).

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve, and if the tomatoes lose some juiciness, freshen it up with more lemon juice or olive oil.

Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, using canned beans is a quick and convenient option. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using.

What other herbs can I use?

While parsley and mint are traditional, you can also add some fresh basil, cilantro, or dill for a slight twist in flavor.

How can I adjust the dressing to suit my taste?

If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice. If you like a creamier dressing, you can blend the dressing ingredients with a little yogurt or tahini.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, lamb, or feta cheese for an extra boost of protein. You could also serve this as a side to roasted fish or seafood.

Conclusion

This Tabbouleh White Bean Salad is a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal. Packed with fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying option. The combination of creamy beans and crunchy vegetables makes every bite delicious and nourishing. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick, tasty dish, this salad will never disappoint!