Description
Quick & Healthy Warm White Bean Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish made with creamy white beans, peppery arugula pesto, fresh greens, and bright lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Arugula Pesto
6 to 8 cups arugula (divided)
⅓ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2½ tablespoons chopped preserved lemon (or grated lemon zest + extra salt)
1 garlic clove, chopped
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for seasoning)
For the Salad
3 cups cooked white beans (canned or homemade, rinsed and drained)
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons thinly shaved shallots or red onion (optional)
Instructions
Make the Pesto:
Add 2 packed cups of arugula to a food processor along with almonds, cheese, preserved lemon, garlic, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped. With the machine running, slowly stream in olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy.Warm the Beans:
Heat white beans in the microwave for about 1 minute or in a saucepan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until just warmed through. Do not overheat.Combine Beans and Pesto:
In a mixing bowl, gently toss warm beans with the arugula pesto. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper as needed.Assemble the Salad:
Toss remaining arugula with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a platter and spoon pesto-coated beans on top. Sprinkle with shaved shallots if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and add a pinch more salt.
Substitute walnuts or pine nuts for almonds if preferred.
Store components separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Best served slightly warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed / No-Cook (Light Heating)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg