• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Neils Healthy Meals

Quick Healthy Meals

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Wellbeing
  • Healthy Living
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FREE eBook
  • Healthy Living
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • FREE eBook
    • Healthy Living
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ร—

    Home ยป Recipes ยป Lunch ยป Lunch Salads

    Easy Cannellini Bean Salad

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 ยท Updated: May 19, 2025 by Neil 16 Comments

    336 shares
    • Facebook
    • X
    Jump to Recipe
    Overhead view of a bowl of cannellini bean salad. Above lemons and salt and pepper cellars. Pin title text overlay at top.

    Easy cannellini bean salad is a delicious Mediterranean white bean salad. Made from canned beans it makes a great budget lunch or side dish.

    Easy cannellini bean salad served in a round white bowl with a serving spoon in. A lemon and salt and pepper cellars above.

    This easy cannellini bean salad is perfect as a tasty light lunch salad on it's own or as a great side dish to compliment other meals.

    Canned bean salads are cheap and quick to prepare.

    Just like my borlotti bean and tuna salad this easy white bean salad is ready in just 15 minutes.

    This recipe was inspired by the fact that every time I'm on holiday in the Mediterranean and eating out there's always a delicious Mediterranean bean salad on offer.

    So I decided to make my own version to enjoy those very same Mediterranean flavours at home!

    Cannellini bean salad in a large white bowl with a serving spoon in. Salt and pepper cellars and a lemon juicer in the background.

    This is a simple salad made entirely of simple ingredients.

    Even the dressing itself doesn't require much effort at all and it's easily whisked up in a few seconds.

    There's plenty of fresh ingredients that you can add or substitute in this salad. All the while those delicious beans giving it the same nutty flavour.

    It's little wonder those folks in the Mediterranean are so healthy incorporating many bean recipes like this into their already healthy diets.

    Adding more healthy recipes like this to your meal plans and incorporating them into your work lunches or as a perfect side salad can only be a good thing!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • FAQ's
    • Other Popular Salad Recipes For You To Enjoy
    • Easy Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    All ingredients for easy cannellini bean salad.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Red Wine Vinegar
    • Lemon Juice
    • Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
    • Cannellini Beans
    • Cucumber
    • Cherry Tomatoes
    • Black Olives
    • Feta Cheese
    • Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this easy white bean salad:

    Cannellini bean salad dressing made in a small glass pyrex bowl with a whisk in. Salt and pepper cellars at back.

    Dressing Steps 1 & 2

    • Make the marinade in a small bowl.
    • Season to taste.
    All cannellini bean salad ingredients placed into a mixing bowl.

    Salad Step 1

    • Place all bean salad ingredients into a large bowl.
    Dressing being poured over cannellini bean salad ingredients in mixing bowl from a pyrex glass jug.

    Step 2

    • Add the dressing.
    Cannellini bean salad ingredients in large mixing bowl mixed with dressing and seasoned with salt and pepper.

    Steps 3 & 4

    • Leave the salad to marinate.
    • Serve and enjoy!
    Birds eye view of a white bowl of cannellin bean salad ready to serve with a serving spoon in. Salt and pepper cellars and a lemon in a glass lemon juicer at top.

    Substitutions

    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - essential to use extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
    • Red Wine Vinegar
    • Lemon Juice - freshly squeezed is best rather than from a bottle.
    • Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper
    • Cannellini Beans - I use a can of cannellini beans. You can use virtually any varieties of white beans though. White kidney beans work well. If using dried bean make sure you soak for required length of time before using.
    • Cucumber
    • Cherry Tomatoes - grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes or chopped salad tomatoes will also work.
    • Black Olives - you can use different types of olives like kalamata olives too.
    • Feta Cheese - you could substitute with goat cheese instead.
    • Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley - Use fresh parsley. Fresh herbs are best. You can substitute with fresh mint if you can't get parsley or a sprinkling of mixed dried Italian herbs.

    Subscribe to Neil's Healthy Meals

    Don't miss future updates and new recipes. Make sure you’re subscribed to Neil’s Healthy Meals.

    Subscribe here to add your email to the subscription list.

    And you can follow me too via your favourite social channels :-

    Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin & YouTube.

    *I do not use your email for anything else other than adding you to my blog subscription list which you can opt out of at any time.

    FAQ's

    Can You Eat Cannellini Beans From The Tin?

    Yes. Canned cannellini beans are already cooked. Just make sure you rinse them in cold water and drain them before using them.

    Are Cannellini Beans Good For You?

    Yes. They're a great source of fiber and protein. As part of a balanced healthy eating routine they can help to support weight loss.

    What Other Ingredients Could I Add To My Cannellini Salad?

    If you're looking to bulk this out to make it more of a main course you could add chopped red onion, red pepper, green onions or more juicy tomatoes.

    How To Store Cannellini Bean Salad.

    This salad will store for 2 - 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is not freezable.

    Other Popular Salad Recipes For You To Enjoy

    📋 Tomato And Onion Salad
    This easy delicious tomato and onion salad is the perfect side dish for virtually any occasion. It's just bursting with flavour!
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of tomato and onion salad. Above a loaf of cut bread and bowl of sliced cucumber.
    📋 Feta and Lemon Quinoa Salad
    This lemon quinoa salad with feta is a deliciously fresh tasting gluten free vegetarian healthy lunch option. Packed full of nutritional goodness this low cost salad is quick and easy to prepare!
    Check out this recipe
    Feta and lemon quinoa salad is a deliciously fresh tasting gluten free vegetarian healthy lunch option. Packed full of nutritional goodness this low cost salad is quick and easy to prepare. The classic Mediterranean flavours, brought to life with a zingy lemon vinaigrette.
    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
    Mediterranean chickpea salad is an easy, budget and vibrant salad simply bursting with flavour.
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean chickpea salad is an easy, budget and vibrant salad simply bursting with flavour. This is the perfect all year round salad to remind you of sunny days and warm climates even though it may not be the same outside!
    Couscous Chicken Salad
    Couscous chicken salad. This is a quick and easy to make delicious healthy salad which is perfect as a warm dinner salad or cold packed lunch!
    Check out this recipe
    A serving bowl of couscous chicken salad with a spoon in. Cherry tomatoes to the front and salt and pepper shakers and flat bread behind.
    📋 Quick Corn Salsa
    This quick corn salsa is a delicious and easy to make time saving recipe that goes great with fajitas, tacos, and burrito bowls!
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of quick corn salsa with a serving spoon in. Salad and a lemon juicer in the background.
    Easy cannellini bean salad served in a round white bowl with a serving spoon in. A lemon and salt and pepper cellars above.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 8 votes

    Easy Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe

    Easy cannellini bean salad is a delicious Mediterranean white bean salad. Made from canned beans it makes a great budget lunch or side dish.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Pyrex mixing glass bowl
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Measuring spoons
    • Kitchen scale
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Measuring jug
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
    • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

    Salad

    • 400 g can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
    • 115 g cucumber diced
    • 100 g cherry tomatoes halved
    • 30 g black olives halved
    • 60 g feta cheese crumbled
    • 1 tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley chopped
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    Dressing

    • Place all the dressing ingredients in a small Pyrex bowl and whisk together.
    • Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

    Salad

    • Place all the salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl
    • Pour over the dressing and mix well. Add more salt and pepper if required.
    • If you have time leave the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
    • Divide into equal portions. Enjoy!
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Cannellini Bean Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 195 Calories from Fat 99
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 11g17%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 7g
    Cholesterol 13mg4%
    Sodium 508mg22%
    Potassium 118mg3%
    Carbohydrates 18g6%
    Fiber 5g21%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 8g16%
    Vitamin A 320IU6%
    Vitamin C 9mg11%
    Calcium 147mg15%
    Iron 3mg17%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this quick and easy cannellini bean salad recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Related

    « Easy No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake
    Best Baked Rice Pudding Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Raymund | angsarap.net

      June 16, 2022 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      Nice and simple, something I want to do soon as we have most of the ingredients at hand. Would definitely love this specially with some grilled fish on the side

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm

        Thanks Raymund. Yes, this would be lovely paired with some grilled fish. Love that thought! Yum!

        Reply
    2. Charlie DeSando

      June 16, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Neil, I do love Cannellini Beans, very nice salad here

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 17, 2022 at 5:21 am

        Thanks Charlie. I just think Cannellini Beans are so underated too!

        Reply
    3. Chef Mimi

      June 17, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I love this! Especially with the feta, olives, and tomatoes. Great salad.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 18, 2022 at 6:47 am

        It's the perfect summer salad! Thanks Mimi!

        Reply
    4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      June 17, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful, easy yet flavourful salad - we often enjoy this or similar during spring and summer. The addition of a sweet red onions would be nice, too!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 18, 2022 at 6:50 am

        Thanks Ben! I agree the addition of sweet red onions would also be nice too. Feel free to add / substitute whatever ingredients you want to make this salad your own!

        Reply
    5. Linger A Little, Kristy

      June 17, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      How could you not absolutely love this simple yet flavorful salad? It looks and sounds fantastic and it is a perfect side dish for any cookout or get-together. I love the Mediterranean-type ingredients. I must try this soon. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 18, 2022 at 6:51 am

        You're welcome Kristy. Glad you like it! Yes this salad seems to be perfect for the moment. Particularly the hot Mediterranean weather we're experiencing at the moment.

        Reply
    6. Michelle

      June 17, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect timing, Neil! I just got cannellini beans -- can't wait to try it! I'd add some salmon to the mix too ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 18, 2022 at 6:52 am

        Salmon would be a lovely addition to this salad Michelle! Yum! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. David @ Spiced

      June 20, 2022 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      I really do love Mediterranean flavors, but I don't think I've ever combined them with cannellini beans. This sounds like a fantastic (and easy) summer side dish! I could see it going well alongside grilled chicken!

      Reply
      • Neil

        June 21, 2022 at 6:59 am

        Oh yes. This dish goes well with grilled chicken David. In fact it goes well with ALL BBQ dishes. We've enjoyed it alongside steak, burgers and grilled chicken. Hope you get a chance to make it!

        Reply
    8. Farah

      December 05, 2022 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      This looks so simple, an easy meal prep recipe that packs on the flavors. I love beans! Can't wait to try this out!

      Reply
      • Neil

        December 05, 2022 at 1:22 pm

        Thank you Farah! Hope you enjoy it! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5 from 8 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello there! Iโ€™m Neil. Since 2014 Neil's Healthy Meals has been providing delicious quick healthy recipes and fabulous cheesecakes based on the 80/20 rule for eating. Helping you live a diet free lifestyle. One where you can still enjoy cake! Learn more here

    Popular Recipes

    • Birds eye view of 2 bowls of Scottish lentil soup with spoons in.
      Easy Scottish Lentil Soup
    • Easy homemade quorn lasagne cooked and displayed on a table ready to be cut and served.
      Easy Homemade Quorn Lasagne
    • Birds eye view of a pan of cooked low fat garlic mushroom pasta garnished with chopped parsley. Bowl of garlic bread at the top.
      Low Fat Garlic Mushroom Pasta
    • Slow cooker vegetarian chilli in slow cooker. Dishes of rice and coriander at the top.
      Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chilli

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    • About Neil's Healthy Meals

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    COPYRIGHT © 2025 NEILSHEALTHYMEALS.COM - PRIVACY POLICY - DISCLAIMER

    336 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.