White Bean Salad with Sardines
(Easy 5-minute Summer Salad Recipe)
Last updated: March 26, 2026
White Bean Salad with Sardines is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make, protein-rich meal, combining creamy white beans with fresh veg and canned sardines. The dressing is very simple and is made with just 3 ingredients which helps bring all the flavors together with the freshness of the lemon.
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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
- Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Loaded with Mediterranean flavors
- Cheap to make
- Uses pantry staples
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.
What it Tastes Like
- Creamy from the white beans
- Bright and zesty from the lemon juice
- Slightly salty and rich from the sardines
- Fresh and crunchy from the onion and tomatoes
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.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap sardines for tuna, mackerel, or salmon
- Add crumbled feta for extra creaminess
- Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Toss in arugula or spinach for extra greens
- Serve on toasted bread for a heartier meal
- One of our reviewers added alfalfa sprouts which is a great idea (thanks!)
- Another reviewer added avocado which would also be awesome (thanks!)
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 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 salads, stews, or dips. Here are some other delicious white bean recipes to try out: White bean dip with caramelized onion, vegan white bean stew, Fabada with chorizo and white beans.
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.
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. |
|
White Bean Salad with Sardines (Easy 5-minute Summer Salad Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 large Glass Salad bowl
- Large knife and Cutting board
- Salad serving spoons (for serving)
- Microplane
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
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the white beans and add to a large salad bowl15 oz. 450g jar white beans (cannellini beans or similar)
- Dice the cucumber, onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes and add the beans7 oz. 200g cherry tomatoes, halved, ½ red onion, ½ English cucumber
- Drain oil from tin of sardines (keep the oil for the dressing).1 can
- 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.Half cup of black olives, Handful of fresh parsley
- Drizzle some of the oil from the sardines over the salad. Add the olive oil too.¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Add the zest from ½ lemon, plus the juice.Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, mix well, and serve immediately!Salt and pepper
Video
Notes
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.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Cook them in advance according to package instructions, allow them to cool, and then use them in the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture and flavor, add the sardines just before serving.
What can I use instead of sardines?
You can substitute sardines with tuna, mackerel, salmon, or even grilled chicken depending on your preference.
Is this white bean salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is healthy. It is high in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.
How long does white bean salad last in the fridge?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best quality, consume it fresh and add the sardines just before serving.
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Delicious and filling. Added alfalfa sprouts for even more of a superfood lunch
A great suggestion! thanks for commenting and glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious 😋 and easy to make. I added hass avocados to the salad as well.
Adding avocados is a great option! Glad you enjoyed the reicpe and thanks for commenting