Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make summer white bean salad featuring cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade pesto vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish packed with bright, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 (14 ounce cans) cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 baby cucumbers, chopped
- 2 ears of corn, kernels cut off
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Pesto Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (white or red wine vinegar preferred)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, minced garlic, pesto, honey, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, thinly sliced green onions, chopped cucumbers, corn kernels, chopped green bell pepper, chopped cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Toss all the vegetables and beans together gently to mix evenly.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared pesto vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and add more dressing if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the salad immediately or chill it briefly to let the flavors meld. It’s great as a light lunch or a side dish during warm weather.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and drain the canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Fresh pesto works best for the vinaigrette, but store-bought pesto can be used in a pinch.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and chilled to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
- This salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten free.
