Forget the notion that a satisfying bean salad needs a complex medley of ingredients. Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme, and that’s precisely the philosophy behind this incredibly easy and utterly delicious white bean salad. Featuring the creamy texture of your favorite white beans, the sharp bite of red onions, and the savory notes of grated Pecorino cheese, all harmoniously tossed in a bright and zesty basil lemon vinaigrette, this dish is a testament to minimal effort yielding maximum flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish or a versatile base for a light, healthy meal.
While this recipe champions a single bean variety for streamlined perfection, don’t hesitate to explore the vast world of legume-based salads. For those craving a broader spectrum of textures and tastes, consider preparing a robust Mediterranean bean salad, vibrant with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs. But for now, let’s dive into the pure, unadulterated joy of this simple yet sophisticated white bean creation.

Table of Contents: Your Guide to the Perfect White Bean Salad
- Why You’ll Fall in Love with This White Bean Salad
- The Undeniable Appeal of Bean Salads
- Exploring the World of White Beans: Varieties and Characteristics
- Essential Ingredients & Clever Substitutions for Your Bean Salad
- Elevate Your Salad: Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Mastering the White Bean Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
- Storage and Leftovers: Keeping Your Salad Fresh
- Expert Recipe Tips for Success
- Explore More Delicious Bean Recipes
- White Bean Salad with Basil & Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe Card
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy White Bean Salad
This isn’t just another salad; it’s a game-changer for quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meals. Here’s why this white bean salad is about to become a staple in your kitchen:
- A Powerhouse of Nutrition Without Lettuce: Ditch the leafy greens for a moment! Beans are truly magnificent non-lettuce salad ingredients. Far from being relegated solely to warming soups, beans are a fantastic foundation for cold salads, offering a substantial boost of plant-based protein, essential fiber, and powerful antioxidants. This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s genuinely good for you, providing sustained energy and supporting overall wellness. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, plant-forward meals into their diet without sacrificing taste or convenience.
- An Explosion of Texture and Flavor: Prepare your palate for a delightful interplay of creamy beans, the bright zest of lemon, aromatic fresh basil, and a subtle hint of garlic. The two cans of tender white beans provide a rich base, while finely chopped red onions introduce a welcome crunch and pungent kick. Grated Pecorino cheese adds a salty, umami depth that perfectly complements the vibrant basil lemon vinaigrette. Every forkful is a balanced symphony of tastes and textures that will make you forget all about traditional leafy greens. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a light lunch, yet refined enough to be the star side dish at your next gathering.
- The Ultimate Make-Ahead, No-Wilt Wonder: One of the greatest advantages of a bean-based salad is its incredible resilience. Unlike delicate greens that wilt and lose their appeal, beans actually benefit from sitting in the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. This makes our white bean salad an absolute dream for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights. You can confidently prepare it hours, or even a day, in advance, knowing it will maintain its exquisite flavor and fresh appeal, even after extended time out of the fridge. This makes it an ideal choice for entertaining or for preparing healthy meals to enjoy throughout your busy week.
The Undeniable Appeal of Bean Salads: More Reasons to Love Legumes
Beyond the specific charms of this white bean recipe, bean salads, in general, hold a special place in the culinary world. They are often overlooked but incredibly versatile, economical, and delicious. Here are a few more compelling reasons why you should make bean salads a regular part of your diet:
- Budget-Friendly Pantry Staple: Beans are one of the most cost-effective and nutritious ingredients available. Canned beans, in particular, are incredibly inexpensive, have an exceptionally long shelf life, and are always ready to go. Keeping your pantry stocked with various beans means you’re always just minutes away from a wholesome meal, even when you feel like you have “nothing to eat.” They are a smart choice for feeding families on a budget without compromising on quality or health, offering significant nutritional value for pennies on the dollar compared to other protein sources.
- Embrace Effortless Meal Prep: As mentioned, bean salads are the epitome of make-ahead magic. Their sturdy nature means no risk of soggy leaves or diminished appeal. In fact, making this salad in advance and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator actually enhances its flavor profile. The vinaigrette has ample time to infuse into the beans, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. This makes them ideal for packing work lunches, preparing for gatherings, or simply having a healthy option ready to grab from the fridge throughout the week, offering a delicious shortcut to healthy eating.
- Unmatched Versatility for Any Meal: A well-crafted bean salad, like our white bean version with its Mediterranean-inspired blend of garlic, lemon, and basil, possesses an incredible ability to complement almost any other dish. It’s a harmonious partner for grilled chicken or fish, a hearty addition to a vegetarian spread, or a refreshing counterpoint to richer main courses. Its bright, herby notes make it suitable for a variety of cuisines, effortlessly adapting to be served alongside another salad, as a robust side, or even as a light main course. From summer barbecues to holiday potlucks, a bean salad always finds its place.
Exploring the World of White Beans: Varieties and Characteristics
While often used interchangeably, different types of white beans offer subtle variations in texture, size, and flavor that can influence your salad’s overall experience. Knowing these distinctions can help you choose the perfect bean for this recipe or inspire new culinary adventures. Here are the most common varieties you’ll encounter and how they might fit into your culinary creations:
- Navy Beans (Pea Beans): These are the smallest of the popular white bean trio, characterized by their soft, oval shape and mild flavor. Navy beans are incredibly creamy when cooked, making them excellent for mashing or for dishes where a smooth texture is desired, such as classic bean dips or purees. They are famously used in traditional American dishes like Boston baked beans, but their delicate nature also makes them a wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth component in salads, particularly when you desire a softer texture that readily absorbs dressing flavors.
- Great Northern Beans: Slightly larger than navy beans, great northern beans boast a firmer texture that holds its shape beautifully even after cooking. This makes them exceptionally versatile, suitable for almost any dish where beans are called for, from hearty stews and chilis to fresh salads. They possess a delicate, nutty flavor that is less pronounced than cannellini beans, allowing them to absorb and showcase the flavors of dressings and other ingredients exceptionally well. Their medium size makes them a great all-around choice for a balanced bean salad.
- Cannellini Beans (White Kidney Beans): The largest of the three common white beans, cannellini beans are easily recognized by their distinct kidney shape. Renowned for their robust texture and creamy interior, they offer a slightly earthy flavor that is quite satisfying. Cannellini beans are a cornerstone of Italian cooking, frequently appearing in minestrone soups, pasta e fagioli, and of course, a variety of cold salads. Their substantial size and firm yet tender bite make them particularly satisfying in this white bean salad, adding a delightful chewiness that many prefer.
For this specific recipe, any of these white bean varieties will work wonderfully, delivering fantastic results. The choice often comes down to personal preference for texture – whether you prefer a creamier, softer bean (navy) or one with a bit more bite and structure (cannellini or great northern). I often gravitate towards navy beans for their creamy consistency, but great northern or cannellini beans will provide a slightly firmer bite, each offering a unique, delightful experience that harmonizes beautifully with the basil lemon vinaigrette.
Essential Ingredients & Clever Substitutions for Your White Bean Salad
Crafting a truly memorable salad means starting with high-quality ingredients and knowing how to adapt them to your pantry or dietary needs. Each component in this white bean salad plays a crucial role in building its vibrant flavor profile and appealing texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with valuable substitution ideas to make it truly your own:

- White Beans: The star of our show! As discussed, navy, great northern, or cannellini beans are all excellent choices. Ensure they are well-drained and rinsed under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any residual starchy liquid from the can. This crucial step ensures a cleaner flavor and better texture for your salad. While this recipe focuses on white beans, don’t shy away from experimenting with other legumes like chickpeas (garbanzo beans) for a different twist – their firm texture and slightly nutty flavor also pair beautifully with the basil lemon vinaigrette.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion is crucial for adding a sharp, zesty kick and a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy beans. Red onions are my top choice for raw salads due to their vibrant color and slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions when uncooked. However, if you prefer a less intense onion flavor, finely diced white onion or a handful of thinly sliced scallions (green onions) would also work well, offering a fresher, herbaceous note. For those sensitive to raw onion, a quick soak of the chopped onions in ice water for 10-15 minutes can significantly mellow their pungency before draining and adding to the salad.
- Pecorino Cheese: This hard, salty Italian sheep’s milk cheese provides a fantastic depth of flavor, adding a bold, tangy, and slightly pungent complexity that elevates the entire salad. It’s similar to Parmesan but typically stronger and saltier, offering a more assertive character. If Pecorino isn’t available, grated Parmesan cheese is a perfect substitution, offering a savory, nutty profile. For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based hard cheese alternative to maintain the savory element.
- Fresh Basil: A cornerstone of the vibrant vinaigrette! Fresh basil leaves impart a sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor that screams Mediterranean sunshine. Don’t skimp on this ingredient; its fragrance and vibrant green color are key to the salad’s appeal. For an added layer of herbal complexity, you can use a mix of fresh basil and fresh parsley leaves, or even a touch of fresh oregano. Dried basil is not recommended for the dressing as it lacks the fresh, bright notes that make this vinaigrette so special.
- Garlic: Just one clove, minced or finely grated, adds a foundational aromatic kick to the dressing. It pairs perfectly with the basil and lemon, creating a classic flavor trio that is both robust and refreshing. For a milder garlic presence, you can roast the garlic before mincing it, which brings out its sweetness and mellows its raw intensity. Ensure it’s very finely minced so no large pieces are overpowering.
- Whole Grain Mustard: More than just flavor, whole grain mustard plays a vital role in emulsifying the vinaigrette. Its tiny mustard seeds add a textural element and a subtle tang, while its natural emulsifying properties help bind the oil and lemon juice together, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth, cohesive dressing that clings beautifully to the beans. Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute if whole grain is not available, though it will result in a smoother dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright, citrusy acidity of fresh lemon juice is essential for balancing the richness of the beans and cheese, and it perfectly complements the basil and garlic. Always opt for fresh-squeezed juice for the best, most vibrant flavor; bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare. For an extra burst of citrus aroma and intensity, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the dressing, ensuring you only grate the yellow part of the rind.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As with any salad dressing, the quality of your olive oil truly shines. Reach for a good quality extra virgin olive oil; its fruity, peppery notes will contribute significantly to the overall flavor of your vinaigrette and, consequently, your salad. A robust, flavorful olive oil will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Salt & Pepper: These are more than just seasonings; they are flavor enhancers that awaken and define the other ingredients. Beans, on their own, can be quite bland, so a generous seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is crucial. Mixing them directly into the dressing ensures even distribution and coats every single bean with delicious flavor. Always taste and adjust to your preference, remembering that Pecorino cheese also contributes significant saltiness.
Elevate Your Salad: Optional Additions for Extra Flavor and Texture
This simple white bean salad recipe is a fantastic base, incredibly versatile, and welcomes a variety of healthy additions. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking, experimenting with different ingredients to create new flavor profiles and expand its culinary possibilities:
- Roasted Red Peppers: For a touch of sweetness and smoky depth, chop jarred roasted red peppers (pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture) and stir them in. Alternatively, for a fresher, crisper texture and brighter flavor, finely dice a raw red bell pepper. Green or yellow bell peppers also work for a different color and subtle flavor variation.
- Cucumbers: Add a refreshing crunch and cool element with thinly sliced English cucumbers. Their minimal seeds mean less watery disruption to the salad. Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice for their crisp texture and small size, perfect for dicing.
- Tomatoes: When in season, a burst of sweetness and juiciness from halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can transform this salad. Their vibrant color and fresh taste are irresistible. Even sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained, and chopped) can add an intense, sweet-tart flavor profile and chewy texture.
- Leafy Greens (Right Before Serving): While this is a non-lettuce salad, a handful of peppery arugula, delicate spinach, or even chopped romaine can be gently folded in right before serving for added freshness and a lighter feel. This should be done just before eating to prevent wilting and maintain their crispness.
- Olives: For an extra briny, savory kick and a truly Mediterranean twist, roughly chop some pitted Kalamata olives or a green variety like Castelvetrano. Their saltiness and distinct flavor will beautifully complement the other ingredients, adding a layer of sophisticated taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond basil and parsley, consider adding chopped fresh mint, dill, or oregano for different aromatic dimensions. A sprinkle of fresh chives can also add a subtle oniony freshness.
- Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts, quartered or chopped, add a tangy, slightly briny flavor and tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean notes of the dressing.
- Avocado: Diced ripe avocado adds a creamy, rich element and healthy fats. Add it just before serving to prevent browning and ensure its best texture.
- Feta Cheese: For an alternative to Pecorino, or an additional salty, tangy element, crumbled feta cheese offers a different, yet equally delicious, Mediterranean touch.
Mastering the White Bean Salad: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making it incredibly accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to prepare your vibrant white bean salad in no time, moving efficiently from prep to plate:
For the Basil Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Prepare the Dressing Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the components for your bright and flavorful vinaigrette. This includes the fresh basil leaves, a peeled garlic clove, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully place all these ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or a blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid tightly on your food processor or blender. Process the ingredients until the dressing is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. The basil should be finely chopped and fully incorporated, giving the vinaigrette a beautiful pale green hue and a wonderfully aromatic fragrance. If needed, pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended. This step creates a cohesive dressing that will cling perfectly to your beans.

Assemble the White Bean Salad:
- Combine Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained and rinsed white beans, the finely chopped red onions, and the freshly grated Pecorino cheese. It’s vital that your beans are well-drained to prevent a watery salad that dilutes the dressing’s flavor. Using a spacious bowl will make the tossing process much easier.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly prepared basil lemon vinaigrette generously over the combined salad ingredients. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until the beans, onions, and cheese are evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. Take your time to ensure every single bean is touched by the delicious vinaigrette. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed – perhaps a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the brightness.

Your delicious white bean salad is now ready to enjoy! For best results and to allow the flavors to truly meld and deepen, cover the bowl and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief resting period makes a significant difference in the overall taste experience.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This easy white bean salad is a chameleon on the plate, adapting beautifully to various meals and settings. Its fresh, zesty profile makes it a versatile addition to almost any spread, effortlessly elevating both casual and more formal dining experiences:
- Ideal Potluck and Picnic Companion: Its sturdy, no-wilt nature makes it a perfect candidate for family picnics, backyard BBQs, and potlucks. It travels exceptionally well and holds its integrity, even when sitting out for a bit longer than a delicate green salad. Serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast to grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs, or as a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian option alongside other cold dishes.
- Elevate Your Work Lunch: Pack this salad for a nutritious and delicious work lunch that will keep you energized without feeling heavy. It’s incredibly satisfying on its own, but you can easily transform it into a more substantial meal by adding a source of lean protein. Think slices of baked tofu, grilled chicken breast, seared scallops, sautéed shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg. Pair it with a hearty hunk of crusty bread, a whole-wheat pita, or some artisan crackers for dipping into the flavorful vinaigrette.
- A Dynamic Side Dish: This white bean salad makes an excellent accompaniment to a wide array of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled fish (such as salmon, cod, or swordfish), roasted chicken, lamb chops, or even hearty vegetarian mains like mushroom steaks. The bright lemon and herbaceous basil in the dressing cut through richer flavors, providing a refreshing and much-needed balance to your plate. It’s also excellent paired with other roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Light Main Course: For a lighter dinner, bulk up the salad with additional protein sources and perhaps some extra vegetables mentioned in the “optional additions” section. For example, add some grilled halloumi cheese, more chopped bell peppers, and extra fresh herbs. Serve it with a dollop of creamy hummus and some olives for a full, satisfying Mediterranean experience. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy and satisfying vegetarian or flexitarian meal.
- Part of a Mezze Platter: This salad fits beautifully into a Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter, serving as a vibrant and hearty component. Arrange it alongside other dips like baba ghanoush, tzatziki, various cheeses (like fresh mozzarella or goat cheese), sliced cured meats, and warm flatbreads or pita triangles for a delightful sharing feast.
Storage and Leftovers: Keeping Your White Bean Salad Fresh
One of the many joys of this white bean salad is how well it keeps, and often, how its flavors deepen and improve over time. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days, making your meal prep efforts even more rewarding:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover white bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The enclosed environment will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in your fridge. You’ll likely find that the flavors continue to meld and develop during this time, often tasting even better on the second day as the beans fully absorb the nuanced flavors of the vinaigrette.
- Serving Leftovers: Before serving the chilled salad, it’s highly recommended to let it sit out at room temperature for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This crucial step allows the beans to lose their chill and the olive oil in the vinaigrette (which can solidify slightly in cold temperatures) to return to its liquid state. This ensures the dressing is perfectly emulsified and coats the beans beautifully once stirred again, restoring its creamy texture and vibrant taste. A quick stir before serving will reincorporate any settled dressing and bring the salad back to its vibrant best, ready to be enjoyed.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing. The texture of the beans and fresh ingredients, particularly the onions and basil, would degrade significantly upon thawing, resulting in a mushy and unappetizing consistency. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within the recommended refrigeration period.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best White Bean Salad
Achieving a consistently excellent white bean salad is easy when you keep a few key tips and tricks in mind. These insights will help you maximize flavor, optimize texture, and ensure your salad is a hit every time:
- Maximize Flavor with Advance Preparation: Take full advantage of this lettuce-free salad’s unique ability to be made ahead! Assemble the salad and toss it with the dressing at least 2 hours before serving, or even the day before. This marination time is a game-changer; it allows the beans to thoroughly absorb the bright, herbaceous flavors of the vinaigrette, resulting in a much more delicious and cohesive dish where all the elements have truly melded together.
- Rinse Your Beans Thoroughly: This step cannot be overstated! Canned beans often come packed in a thick, starchy liquid (aquafaba) that can affect the flavor and texture of your salad, adding unwanted sliminess or a “canned” taste. Always drain and rinse your beans under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess sodium and any undesirable flavors, leaving you with clean-tasting beans ready to soak up the delicious dressing.
- Customizing Your White Beans: While this recipe specifically highlights white beans (navy, great northern, or cannellini), feel free to use any type of bean you have on hand that would complement a Mediterranean-style herby vinaigrette. Chickpeas, black beans, or even a mix of beans would work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different flavor and textural experience. The key is the robust, flavorful dressing, which pairs well with most hearty legumes!
- Stretch Leftovers with Grains: Don’t let a single delicious bean go to waste! To extend your leftovers and create a more substantial, satisfying meal, stir the chilled white bean salad with cooked grains like quinoa, farro, couscous, or barley. This transforms it into an even heartier side dish, a vibrant grain bowl, or a fulfilling vegetarian main course, perfect for meal prepping.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving, especially after it has had time to chill. Flavors can mellow when cold, so you might need to add a little extra salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up just before serving. Achieving the right balance of salt, acid, and herbs is crucial for a truly outstanding salad.
- Finely Chop Your Onions: For the best texture and distribution of flavor, ensure your red onions are very finely chopped. This allows their sharp flavor to blend harmoniously rather than overpower the other ingredients, and ensures a pleasant, subtle crunch in every bite. Large chunks of raw onion can be overwhelming.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried herbs have their place in some recipes, the basil in this vinaigrette truly shines when fresh. Its vibrant aroma, bright flavor, and beautiful green color are irreplaceable for the zesty, aromatic profile of this salad. Use good quality, fresh basil for the most impactful results.
Explore More Delicious Bean Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the versatility, health benefits, and robust flavor of this white bean salad, you’ll love exploring other creative ways to incorporate healthy, delicious beans into your cooking. Beans are a pantry powerhouse, offering endless possibilities for nutritious and satisfying meals. Here are some more inspiring bean-based recipes to broaden your culinary horizons:
- Hearty Butternut Squash Quinoa with Black Beans
- Flavorful Chile Verde with White Beans
- Classic & Comforting Minestrone Soup
- Our Best Classic Three Bean Salad
- Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Creamy & Simple Cannellini Bean Salad
And for those who simply adore salads in all their forms, from hearty winter creations to light summer greens, don’t miss our comprehensive easy seasonal salad guide for fresh inspiration all year long. Discover new flavor combinations and elevate your salad game!
White Bean Salad with Basil & Lemon Vinaigrette
This simple white bean salad combines creamy beans with crunchy red onions and savory Pecorino cheese, all brought together by a vibrant basil lemon vinaigrette. Quick to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals, it’s a healthy and delicious addition to any table.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
By: Paige Adams
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients for the Basil Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Ingredients for the White Bean Salad:
- Two 15-ounce cans white beans (such as navy, great northern, or cannellini beans), thoroughly drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan, or omit for vegan option)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic clove, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Process these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and all components are well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained and rinsed white beans, the finely chopped red onions, and the freshly grated Pecorino cheese.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared basil lemon vinaigrette generously over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula until the beans and all other components are evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or lemon juice) as needed to your preference. For optimal flavor development, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes:
- For a varied herb profile, you can substitute half of the basil with fresh parsley leaves in the dressing.
- Thinly sliced scallions are an excellent and milder substitute for red onions, offering a fresher, greener onion flavor.
- This salad can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit for a while helps the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving the chilled salad, let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This allows the olive oil in the dressing to return to its liquid state and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 262 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 454mg | Potassium: 668mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 124 IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is an approximation calculated automatically and should be used as a general guide. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
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