Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant colors and deliciously fresh flavors, this Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad is an absolute must-try. It effortlessly combines juicy cherry tomatoes with creamy white beans, tossed in a tangy, herby dressing that brings the whole dish to life. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side, this salad is as simple to make as it is satisfying, offering a wonderful balance of texture and taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple, wholesome ingredients is key to creating this flavorful salad. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute its own unique texture and brightness, making this dish both hearty and fresh.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halving these adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a gorgeous pop of red color.
- White beans: Rinsed and drained, they provide creamy richness and a satisfying bite.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a sharp, tangy crunch that complements the beans perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to lend a fresh, herbal note and vibrant green contrast.
- Olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps bind the flavors together.
- Red wine vinegar: Brings a bright, acidic kick that balances the richness.
- Dijon mustard: Offers subtle warmth and depth in the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out every flavor.
How to Make Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed white beans, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley into a large mixing bowl. This combination forms the hearty base of your salad, with each ingredient adding different textures and bright notes that make every forkful interesting.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the salad’s magic happens, balancing acidity, richness, and a slight tang that elevates all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure every tomato and bean is lightly coated. Take care to be gentle, so the tomatoes keep their shape and the beans don’t mash.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Give your salad a taste, then adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. This is your chance to make it just right, tailored perfectly to your palate.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the salad to sit for about five minutes before serving. This brief rest lets the flavors meld beautifully, making the next bite even more delightful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s versatile and ready to steal the show at any meal.
How to Serve Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra fresh parsley leaves or add a light drizzle of good quality olive oil on top before serving. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or toasted pine nuts can also add an extra layer of flavor and texture, turning the salad into a more indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Its fresh and tangy flavors make it the perfect foil to richer, heartier mains like roast chicken or lamb.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in beautiful glass jars for a picnic, or layer it with other Mediterranean ingredients like olives and cubes of feta for a stunning mezze platter. You can also spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, but it’s best enjoyed sooner to keep the tomatoes from getting too soft.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the tomatoes and beans can lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh each time to maintain that perfect contrast in textures.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in the Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad?
Absolutely! Cannellini or great northern beans work wonderfully. They have a similar creamy texture that complements the tomatoes just as nicely.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, the recipe as provided is fully vegan. Just be sure to avoid adding any cheese or non-vegan toppings if you choose to garnish it creatively.
How long can this salad be kept in the fridge?
For best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within two days. Longer storage can cause the tomatoes to break down and the beans to become mushy.
Can I add protein to make this a more filling meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tuna, or even some crumbled feta cheese make great protein boosts that work well with the existing flavors.
What’s the best way to make the dressing stick to the ingredients?
Whisk the dressing until it’s fully emulsified, then toss gently but thoroughly with the salad ingredients. Letting the salad sit a few minutes before serving also helps the flavors blend and the dressing cling nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Light, flavorful, and effortlessly fresh, it suits so many occasions and tastes great whether on its own or as part of a bigger meal. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to salad!
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Cherry Tomato And White Bean Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad that’s quick to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect as a light lunch or side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy white beans, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette for a deliciously healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed white beans, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients thoroughly without mashing the beans or tomatoes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped cucumber or bell peppers.
- Use canned white beans such as cannellini, great Northern, or navy beans.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Optional: sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cherry Tomato Salad, White Bean Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Healthy Side Dish, Easy Salad Recipe
