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White Bean Salad with Sardines (Easy 5-minute Summer Salad Recipe)

White Bean Salad with Sardines

Name: White Bean Salad with Sardines (Easy 5-minute Summer Salad Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 15 oz. 450g jar white beans (cannellini beans or similar); 7 oz. 200g cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion (finely sliced); ½ English cucumber (cut into half-moons); 1 can (5 oz. 150g Sardines in Olive oil (keep the oil)); Half cup of black olives (chopped); Handful of fresh parsley (chopped); Salt and pepper (to taste); Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon; ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(Easy 5-minute Summer Salad Recipe)

Written By: Byron | June 3, 2024

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A bowl of white bean salad with sardines

White Bean Salad with Sardines is a fantastic and easy-to-make summer salad recipe combining white beans with fresh veg and canned sardines. The salad adds some crispness with some red onion, plenty of pop, and lots of fresh parsley. The dressing is very simple and is made with just 4 ingredients which helps bring all the flavors together with the freshness of the lemon and garlic.

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Serving:

Salad for 4

Ready in:

5 minutes

Skill level:

Easy

Serve with:

Good on its own

Why This Recipe is So Good!

No cooking!
Easy to prepare in just 5 minutes
Healthy
High protein, high in fiber
Loaded with Mediterranean flavors
Cheap to make
Uses pantry staples (no boiling and soaking beans!)
One pot recipe

Watch step-by-step recipe video

If you’re looking for this recipe’s video and many other great recipe ideas, why not check out our Spanish Radish YouTube Channel? We’ve got everything from quick and easy tapas recipes to delicious main meals, to incredible Spanish dessert options too.

How to Make White Bean Salad with Sardines

Ingredients

For the salad

15 oz. (450g) jar white beans (cannellini beans or similar)
7 oz. (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, finely sliced
½ English cucumber, cut into half-moons
1 can (5 oz. 150g) Sardines in Olive oil (keep the oil)
Half cup of black olives, chopped
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Salad dressing

Salt and pepper (to taste)
Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Equipment Needed

1 large Glass Salad bowl
Large knife and Cutting board
Salad serving spoons (for serving)
Microplane

Method

Rinse and drain the white beans and add to a large salad bowl
Dice the cucumber, onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes and add the beans
Drain oil from tin of sardines (keep the oil for the dressing).
Flake the sardines (if whole, carefully remove the larger bones, spine, etc.). Add flaked sardine to the bowl with the other ingredients.
Top with the chopped black olives and fresh parsley.
Drizzle some of the oil from the sardines over the salad. Add the olive oil too.
Add the zest from ½ lemon, plus the juice.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, mix well, and serve immediately!

Cooking Tips:

If you want to remove the sharpness from the red onion, add the finely sliced onion to a bowl of iced water and submerge for 5 minutes. Drain and shake off excess water, then add the red onion to the salad.
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best results
Source sardines that have been marinated in olive oil rather than sunflower oil.

A small bowl of seasoning sits beside some sardines

Best White Beans to Use

You can use any white bean for this recipe. We used a can of Canellini beans. They are easy to find in any supermarket, they’re cheap (ours cost under 1 Euro), and they can be added to the recipe ingredients with a rinse and the water drained (no cooking required!).

Canned vs. Dried Beans

Both work fine and we used canned beans for convenience. If you prefer to use dried beans (they’re cheaper), then allow extra time to soak and prepare the dried beans for cooking. Refer to package instructions for specific details on how to prepare the dried beans you choose.

Are White Beans Good for You?

Yes, white beans are good for you. Beans are an integral ingredient found in many recipes from the Mediterranean, and you’ll find no shortage of bean recipes in Spanish cuisine. Beans are a nutritious and versatile food that offer several health benefits:

High in Nutrients: White beans are rich in essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins, especially folate), and minerals (such as iron, magnesium, and potassium).
Protein Source: They are an excellent plant-based source of protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Fiber-Rich: The high fiber content in white beans aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, which may assist with weight management.
Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and magnesium in white beans are beneficial for heart health. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Control: The complex carbohydrates and fiber in white beans can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a good option for individuals with diabetes or those looking to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Antioxidants: White beans contain antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bone Health: The calcium and magnesium in white beans contribute to bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis.

Incorporating white beans into your diet can be as simple as adding them to soups, salads, stews, or as a side dish. Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them a versatile ingredient in many recipes.

Are white beans part of the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, white beans are a part of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods, and legumes like white beans are a staple. Beans are one of the cheapest protein sources available and can be bought in bulk for even greater savings.

Incorporating white beans into your meals can help you adhere to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, supporting overall health and well-being.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	366
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13.3g	17%
Saturated Fat 2.1g	10%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 187mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 40.5g	15%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	38%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 15.4g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 34mg	3%
Iron 1mg	7%
Potassium 266mg	6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.