This easy Vegan Bean Salad features great northern beans (white beans,) tomato, cucumber, fresh herbs and a simple zesty Italian salad dressing. Served cold, my White Bean Salad recipe is the perfect vegan and hearty vegetarian salads for cookouts and more!
Hello! Hello!
Today's recipe is compliments of my rock-star brother, Tommy. It's his Vegan Bean Salad recipe. This really is the BEST White Bean Salad!
It's actually kind of funny that both Tommy and I ended up working in the food world (he's a manager at Morton's in Charlotte and loves to cook.) Our Mom cooked growing up, but she basically was just doing it to feed us, not because she enjoyed it. We both fondly remember her making meatloaf in the microwave. That might actually be why I'm a vegetarian/pescatarian... but that's a story for another day. 🙂
So neither of us were really taught to cook... it's just something we both picked up and grew to love on our own. I think it comes from the fact that we both just love to EAT good food like this simple salad.
His zesty Vegan Bean Salad is filled with goodness like Great Northern Beans (white beans,) tomato, cucumber and fresh herbs. It's topped with the best simple White Bean Salad Dressing recipe we could find. The humble combination of flavors makes this a hearty vegetarian salad that everyone loves.
Vegan Bean Salad recipe
I was at Tommy's house the other day and he made the most delicious swordfish with a horseradish topping. On the side, he served this crazy simple Vegan Bean Salad. He called it a White Bean Salad. No matter what you call it, I could not get enough of it. The soft white beans paired perfectly with the fresh veggies, light red wine based salad dressing and piles of fresh herbs. This Italian White Bean Salad was legit.
In perfect food blogger style, I came back home and recreated it just like my bro. I think he will be proud.
Hearty Vegetarian Salads?
If you are looking for hearty vegetarian salads... this is it! It's colorful, protein-packed and crazy easy to make. My Brother made it as a side dish but as I was eating it I realized how versatile it really is. The Great Northern Beans definitely make it more of a vegan meal. This dish is the perfect side, vegetarian/ vegan main course or even wonderful piled on a bed of greens for more pizzaze. If you aren't vegan you could add some shrimp on top.
This Vegan Bean Salad is one I will make again and again.
What's in this Vegan White Bean Salad recipe?
This Vegan White Bean Salad recipe is only 8 ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry or fridge.
- Canned Great Northern Beans: Also known as white beans, Great Northern Beans are a perfect protein filled base for this bean salad recipe.
- Tomato: Fresh tomato is the ideal colorful addition to this white bean salad.
- Cucumber: Crunchy cucumber gives this salad color and bit of a bite.
- Red Onion: The savory red onion adds loads of flavor and more color to this simple bean salad.
- Bell Pepper: I also love the color and zest of a fresh bell pepper! Use any color you'd like.
- Fresh Herbs: This salad could be made with dried herbs, but fresh give it a zesty punch and liven up the canned beans.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A good red wine vinegar provides the perfect base for this white bean salad dressing recipe.
- Good Olive Oil: Go for a quality olive oil here! I linked to one of my favorites.
This cold bean salad works great as a dish for a cookout or something you can make and enjoy for lunch all week.
How to Make Vegan Bean Salad...
This healthy Vegan Bean Salad recipe is only a few steps!
- Rinse and drain the beans.
- Cut your veggies
- Toss everything together.
- Serve cold as is or on top of a bed of greens.
Variations & Pro Tips
- Skip the homemade white bean salad dressing and use your favorite bottled Italian dressing.
- Mix up the fresh herbs using basil or oregano.
- If you don't have fresh herbs use a couple teaspoons of a dried Italian seasoning blend.
- This salad would also be great with chickpeas!
- Add some lemon to brighten it up.
I love serving my Brother's White Beans Salad with my lightened up Three Cheese Portobello Caps. They are a perfect pair for an outdoor spring or summer meal.
I think I'm going to have to start getting more recipe ideas from Tommy because this one is a winner! Enjoy.
Want more hearty & healthy vegan salads like this?
- Rainbow Chickpea Salad
- Rainbow Vegan Salad
- Tomato Cucumber and Avocado Salad with fresh Dill
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Dressing
Vegan Bean Salad recipe with White Beans
Ingredients
- 2 can white beans (Great Northern Beans), rinsed and drained
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a bowl and fold together until mixed well! Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later!
Noraleen L says
I made this recipe for a party with neighbors this weekend. Everyone LOVED it! I did switch out the balsamic dressing for a lemon vinaigrette (lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard and a drop of maple syrup) because I was also serving a green salad with strawberries feta and balsamic and wanted a different dressing on each salad. Thank you for the great recipe!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
My mum never cooked and still doesn't! I learnt from my dad because I love to eat too! I use white beans a lot but not yet in salads, although I have made hummus with them, This sounds like a great idea to get some filling protein in with lots of taste.
Brian Jones says
What great flavours and colours, I bet this tastes fantastic. Gotta give this a try.
Lesli Schwartz says
I absolutely love a fresh bean salad, especially this time of year! It's light and healthy and so good! Thanks for your recipe!
Immaculate Oniyere says
Looks so refreshing and delicious!
Beth Neels says
I love bean salads and your version looks so colorful, fresh and healthy! I can't wait to give this a try this summer!
Susan says
Yum, such fresh flavors! What a healthy looking side!
Lisa Ballantyne says
Looks amazing! And I had to laugh at your story about your mom's cooking--I can relate; I'm the non-cook in our household, LOL.....also the reason we have fire insurance! 😛
Miz Helen says
I love the combination of flavors for your White Bean Salad, it looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great day and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
Thank you Miz Helen! I'm so glad you like it.
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Also wanted to add that we love having you link up with us for #HealthyVeganFridays! I’m Pinning and sharing!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
That story about your mom with the meatloaf in the microwave made me laugh! My mom only cooked 2 things when my sister and I were growing up: pasta with tomato sauce in a jar and hot dogs with cheese (no vegetables with either lol) - again maybe why I'm veg now. 🙂
This salad looks great for a hot summer's day!
Karly says
Pinned this for later! Thanks for linkin' up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
JulieWunder says
Hi Karly! I'm so glad. I hope you enjoy it.
Giselle Rochford says
this looks awesome! I've been looking for new ways to eat beans and this sounds right up my alley 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Giselle!
Nicole says
This is a delicious recipe! thanks for sharing it!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole! So glad you like it.
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
This looks so delicious! Perfect for Summer, Pinned 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Angela! I hope you enjoy it.
Allyson says
Looks like a great summer dish! Definitely going to put it in my summer rotation.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Allyson! I hope you enjoy it.
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
If I would have seen this before July 4th, I so would have made it for our picnic!
JulieWunder says
Oh cool!!! It's such an easy covered dish to bring.
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
Love salads like this! Perfect for a meal and for bringing to any summer BBQ 🙂
Christina Bauer says
This looks so incredible! I don't make white beans enough.
JulieWunder says
They are so good and versatile!
Carmy says
What a fun salad!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Carmy! Great to see you here today.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Pinning for the future! You have the best recipes.
JulieWunder says
That means so much to me Wendy. Thank you so much.
Melissa @ Mango About Town says
Yum! This would be a perfect salad for a potluck - you're right I totally have all the ingredients on hand right now! Yay for summer!
JulieWunder says
I know! My garden is producing cucumbers and tomatoes like it's going out of style!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
This looks amazing! I'm looking for new ways to incorporate beans and this seems like a perfect option. Plus we have an abundance of cucumbers right now so I'll kill two birds with one stone 🙂
JulieWunder says
I know! I need to go picking this morning... the veggies are coming!!!
Farrah says
I don't think I've ever made a salad with white beans in it and I can't for the life of me figure out why. This looks delicious! <3
JulieWunder says
So cheap and good!!!
glenneth says
what a gorgeous salad! perfect to take to a picnic or BBQ!
JulieWunder says
Hi Glenneth! I'm so glad you like it. So nice to see you here today.
Mikki says
I've made something like this in the past too. I love fresh, colorful, and yummy salads like this!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Mikki!
abbey says
looks amazing! very light and satisfying from teh white beans!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Abbey! I hope you get a chance to make it.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
you know I love this salad! I have been eating lots of white beans lately. Thanks for linking up with us
JulieWunder says
Me too! They are protein packed but don't feel has heavy has other beans in the summer.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
I am always on the lookout for delicious salads. I can't wait to eat this! Thank you. 🙂
JulieWunder says
I hope you enjoy it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Wow, this looks fantastic, kudos to your brother for coming up with this awesome recipe! I pinned it so hopefully I'll give it a try soon!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Janelle! I'll tell him you said so. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Sounds tasty. I light refreshing dish for a picnic.
JulieWunder says
Yes! And so easy to throw together.
Jenifer says
This looks delicious for a hot summer day! I'm pinning it!
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad you liked it Jenifer! Have a great day.
GiGi Eats says
Beans. I really like them actually. I sadly, cannot eat them because they wage war in my stomach... But I do like them and this dish looks delish!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Gigi! I hope you are having a great start to your weekend.
Blane Sherer says
That's nice that you are incorporating some family
dishes in your blog ( Way to go Tommy / smile ).
Welcome Home Julie.
I hope all went well with your family trip to The Outer Banks.
Did you see any wild horses ?
JulieWunder says
I diiiidddd!!!! Check my instagram! I'll post more photos of it tomorrow.