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Tuna and White Bean Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Tuna and White Bean Salad Recipe

I have to admit, sometimes I crave canned tuna, but I don’t always want it mixed with mayo. That’s when I came up with this Tuna and White Bean Salad, a fresh, protein-rich dish that’s ready in minutes. It’s light yet filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner.
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Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz white beans – rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium and starch for a cleaner taste.
  • 1 can 5 oz chunk light tuna in water – draining is key to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
  • 2 whole green onions – thinly sliced for a fresh crisp bite.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – adds richness; extra virgin gives the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavors; freshly squeezed is best.
  • Salt and pepper – season to taste; freshly ground pepper really makes a difference.

Method
 

  1. Drain and rinse your white beans to remove excess liquid. Drain the canned tuna and thinly slice the green onions. Prepping ingredients beforehand makes combining them easy and mess-free.
  2. Add the beans, tuna, and green onions to a mixing bowl. I like to break up the tuna gently with a fork so it’s chunky but not mushy.
  3. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir everything together to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. You can serve the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. I personally like it slightly chilled for a refreshing lunch.

Notes

  • I always rinse the beans well; it makes the salad lighter and fresher.
  • I prefer using high-quality tuna; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overmix; the beans should stay intact for a nice bite.
  • Adding a little zest from a lemon can give an extra pop without extra juice.
  • If you’re meal prepping, I keep the dressing separate until serving to keep beans firm.