Easy white bean salad

This white bean salad is incredibly easy to make and full of fresh flavor. It makes a great side, and travels well too. It’s a tasty, versatile dish.

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There are lots of times where we seem to fall into the same old sides, but now and then I get a bit inspired, even if that means keeping things simple.

Not so long ago, I made some relatively simple roast chicken with Spanish-inspired flavors. As I was thinking what to go alongside, I got to thinking about some of the simple bean salads we sometimes had when I lived in Spain. It was the perfect accompaniment and reminded we should have bean salads more often.

White bean salad: a discovery in Spain

One of the things I loved about living in Spain was the fantastic food. And what was even better for people like me who can’t decide what to eat sometimes, is eating tapas meant I didn’t always have to narrow it down to one thing.

I know some people don’t like to share their food, but for me if it means I can try four or more things on a menu rather than just one, I’m all for it. Plus it lets you balance out meaty dishes like pinchos moruños or wine marinated steak with veggies and other sides like patatas bravas and pan con tomate (tomato bread).

A simple bean salad like this is a dish I sometimes got near where I lived in Catalunya, and it is a great way to lighten up a meal. White beans are popular in Spain, often larger than the ones here, but really any work.

This white bean salad has become a bit more of a regular feature in our house after the first time I re-acquainted us with it. It works so well as a side with our main meal or as part of a lunch box, since it’s great to make ahead.

How to make a simple white bean salad

All you do is:

1. Rinse the canned beans (or pre-cooked).
2. Dice the tomato and onion.
3. Roughly chop the parsley.
4. Whisk together the dressing.
5. Mix it up and that’s it.

It really takes no time to make but has lovely fresh flavors that go well with a broad range of dishes, from other tapas to grilled meats and more. So mix up some of this white bean salad for your next potluck or picnic, make it with dinner or have it for lunch. It’s so easy and tasty, it’s bound to be a regular in no time.

Try these other sides perfect for a potluck or picnic:

• Mexican street corn salad
• French lentil salad with feta
• Plus see more make ahead salads and summer recipes for more inspiration!

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline’s Cooking Amazon store. 

Get more ideas perfect for summer entertaining:

• BBQ Grilled Corn on the Cob by The Spiffy Cookie
• Brown Butter Blondies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Calico Beans with Hamburger by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Patriotic Blueberry Jello Cheesecake Salad by Daily Dish Recipes
• Grilled Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Burrata Platter by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Grilled Pineapple Salsa by Food Above Gold
• Grilled Pork Thai Bowl by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Grilled BBQ Strawberry Shortcake by Our Good Life
• Grilled Tuscan Chicken Flatbreads by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Grilled Vegetables with Whipped Avocado Feta Dip by Kate’s Recipe Box
• Honey Citrus Chicken Sandwiches by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Jalapeno Bacon Baked Beans by Sweet Beginnings
• Kaiser Rolls by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• No Bake Oreos and Cream Dessert by Family Around the Table
• Red Skinned Potato Salad by The Beard and The Baker
• Salami and Cream Cheese Roll Ups by Cookaholic Wife
• S’mores Bars by Back To My Southern Roots
• Strawberry Green Iced Tea by Palatable Pastime

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