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Mediterranean White Bean and Tuna Salad

Mediterranean White Bean and Tuna Salad

4 hr 30 min

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Mediterranean White Bean and Tuna Salad
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Mediterranean White Bean and Tuna Salad

Creamy scratch-cooked navy beans meet flaky tuna and crisp cucumbers in this vibrant Mediterranean bowl. A bright dressing of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and tarragon ties the simple ingredients together. It's a satisfying make-ahead lunch or a light dinner on warm evenings. You'll love the contrast between the tender beans and the savory tuna, creating a balanced dish that only gets better as it chills in the fridge.

Prep
1 hr 15 min
Cook
1 hr 40 min
Total
4 hr 30 min
Servings
4
Course
Lunch

Ingredients

  • 1 cup navy beans
  • 1 (6-ounce) can drained tongol tuna, broken into chunks
  • 1 finely chopped small onion
  • ½ peeled thinly sliced medium cucumber
  • 2 crushed garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon tarragon
  • 2 teaspoons Celtic salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1Put the navy beans in a saucepan and pour in enough water to submerge them completely. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Cover the pan, remove it from the heat, and let the beans soak for 1 hour before draining. This quick-soak method softens the beans faster than an overnight soak.
  2. 2Return the drained beans to the saucepan and cover them with fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are completely tender. Drain well.
  3. 3Transfer the warm beans to a large glass or ceramic bowl and let them cool to room temperature.
  4. 4Once the beans are cool, add the tuna chunks, chopped onion, sliced cucumber, crushed garlic, dried parsley, tarragon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the tender beans.
  5. 5Cover and refrigerate the salad until well chilled before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day after the beans have soaked up the lemon and herb dressing.
  • Shortcut: If you're short on time, swap the dried navy beans for two 15-ounce cans of drained and rinsed white beans.