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White Bean Salad with Tuna

This healthy White Bean Salad with Tuna is incredibly fresh and zesty, with a satisfying boost of protein and fiber. You’ll love the vibrant flavors in the homemade basil-shallot dressing!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bean salad, healthy tuna salad recipe, tuna salad recipe, white bean salad
Servings: 4
Author: Amy

Ingredients

  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • 12 oz. green beans trimmed and halved
  • 1 small shallot chopped
  • 1 c. lightly packed basil leaves
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 4 c. oak leaf lettuce or butter lettuce torn into bite size pieces
  • 1 15- oz. can small white beans rinsed
  • 2 5- oz. cans solid white tuna in water drained
  • 4 soft- or hard-boiled eggs halved

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then green beans, and cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  • Meanwhile, in a blender, puree shallot, basil, oil, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Transfer half of the dressing to a large bowl and toss with green beans. Toss in lettuce, white beans, and tuna and serve with remaining dressing and eggs.

Notes

  • Onion for Shallot: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can substitute red onion for the shallot.
  • Add Nuts: To add some crunch to your salad, just toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, pecan pieces, or whatever you like.
  • Extra Veggies: For a touch of sweetness, halved cherry tomatoes (make sure they’re nice and ripe) are great. Sundried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are also great!
  • Lemon: For an extra burst of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works well in the dressing.
  • Storage: If you have leftovers, you can store the white bean and tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time, though, so you really want to finish the salad within a day or so.
  • Meal Prep: If you're meal prepping, you can store the dressing, veggies, beans, eggs, and separately, and combine them in a lunchbox container each day. This way, the salad will stay good and fresh!