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Albacore Tuna and White Bean Salad

Albacore Tuna and White Bean Salad

The ultimate summer salad, this Albacore Tuna and White Bean Salad combines fresh beans and flaky tuna in a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next gathering!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs Cut the crust from a baguette and process in a food processor.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 2 ribs celery finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion chopped
  • 10 oz albacore tuna packed in water, drained, and roughly crumbled
  • 1 head butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce, cleaned and leaves pulled from the stem
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
  • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Method
 

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until crumbs begin to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the garlic and a pinch of Kosher salt and black pepper each.
  2. To make the vinaigrette, place the lemon juice, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, Kosher salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil in a jar. Affix the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
  3. In a large bowl, gently mix together the cannellini beans, flat-leaf parsley, celery, red onion, and albacore tuna.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Arrange the butter lettuce on individual plates or one large serving platter and top with the tuna and bean mixture. Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs over the top and serve.
  5. To serve as an appetizer, cut ½-inch slices on a diagonal from a baguette. Brush olive oil over one side of the slice and then toast until lightly brown. Top with the salad and bread crumbs. Serve at once.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 to 5 days.
  • Freezing: It’s best to eat fresh, but if you must, freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month.
  • Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
  • Variations: Feel free to add different vegetables or swap the albacore tuna for another protein.