Cannellini Bean Salad with Pesto – A Fresh, Healthy, and Flavorful Mediterranean
Cannellini Bean Salad with Pesto is a quick and nutritious Mediterranean salad featuring creamy white beans, basil pesto, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light lemon dressing. The beans provide satisfying protein and fiber, while the pesto adds bold herbaceous flavor. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion bring freshness and crunch to every bite. This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch, side dish, or vegetarian main course. Ready in just 20 minutes, it is perfect for meal prep, picnics, and family dinners. Fresh, wholesome ingredients make this salad both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
For the Pesto Dressing
- ¼ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Wash and prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, roasted peppers, basil, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Place the cannellini beans into a large serving bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, roasted peppers, basil, parsley, and pine nuts.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and gently toss until every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.
Notes
- Rinse canned beans well to reduce excess sodium.
- Homemade basil pesto offers the freshest flavor.
- Fresh basil enhances the salad's aroma.
- Chill before serving for even better flavor.
- Add Parmesan just before serving.
- Toast the pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.