Quick and Easy Tuna White Bean Salad : Your Family Will Love!

Posted on December 16, 2025

Fresh tuna white bean salad

This delicious Tuna White Bean Salad comes together in about 10-15 minutes and is a no-cook meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! It’s such a great option for a quick weekend lunch or as a side dish for those busy weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into this amazing, light, and fresh dish that’ll keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy Tuna White Bean Salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 1 can of tuna, drained : Go for chunk light or solid white, whichever you prefer!
  • 1 can of navy beans, rinsed and drained : You can also substitute for cannellini beans or black beans depending on what you have.
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion : Adds a nice zesty crunch; aim for smaller pieces to mellow the flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley : This gives a pop of color and loads of fresh flavor. Basil would work here too!
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil : A drizzle of good quality olive oil makes all the difference!
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice : Fresh is best; it brightens up the entire salad!
  • Salt and pepper to taste : Just a couple pinches to boost the flavors!
tuna white bean salad ingredients

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients (2-3 minutes)
    Start by draining the tuna and navy beans. You want to get rid of any excess liquid so the salad isn’t watery. I like to give the tuna a good squeeze in a paper towel to soak up any last bits of moisture too.

  2. Mix It Up (5 minutes)
    In a large bowl, combine the tuna and navy beans. Next, toss in the diced red onion and chopped parsley. Now, let’s drizzle in that olive oil and lemon juice! Give everything a gentle toss until well combined, make sure those tuna and beans are coated nicely.

  3. Season and Taste (2 minutes)
    You’ll want to add a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything up a bit more until fragrant and just right. Don’t be afraid to taste it, this is your chance to adjust as needed!

  4. Serve! (1 minute)
    You can serve it immediately, warm or cold, but I find it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a little bit. This Tuna White Bean Salad is perfect for meal prep!

  5. Store the Leftovers (1 minute)
    If there are any leftovers (which is rare in my house), just transfer them to an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days!

Fresh tuna white bean salad

And that’s all there is to it! Super simple, right?

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Tuna White Bean Salad comes together in under 15 minutes! Seriously, it’s like magic! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something fast.

Budget-Friendly

Using canned goods means this salad is super affordable! It’s a great way to create a healthy meal without breaking the bank.

Customizable

The best part about this salad is its versatility! Not feeling like red onion? Swap it for some celery or bell peppers! Want a kick? Toss in some chili flakes! Just look in your pantry and use whatever you have!

Comfort Food

There’s something so soothing about this Tuna White Bean Salad. It’s packed with protein, fibers, and tons of flavor, making it both satisfying and comforting.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve alongside this salad? Here are some tasty ideas!

  • With Toast: Serve it over toasted whole grain bread or a buttery croissant for an easy lunch.
  • On a Bed of Greens: For a light dinner, serve it atop a bed of fresh spinach or baby arugula.
  • Alongside Crackers: Pair it with some crunchy crackers for a great snack or appetizer.
  • With a Side of Soup: It makes a great side dish to a bowl of piping hot tomato soup!

Storing and Reheating

  • Storage: This salad is best kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen, and it’s delish!
  • Reheating: Honestly, I love it cold, straight from the fridge. But if you prefer warm leftovers, give it about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, nobody likes dry tuna!
  • Freezer Friendly: Nah, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the texture may change, especially for the beans!

My Connection to This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m in a pinch or trying to beat the clock! I remember the first time I made it after coming home from a long day at work: my kids were starving, and I needed to whip something up fast. I was skeptical, would they love it? Well, my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds, and my heart melted!

I’m a real sucker for meals that are as comforting as they are quick, and this dish ticked all the boxes. It’s loaded with tons of flavor, packed with nutrition, and honestly? You can toss in anything you have on hand, making it a true weeknight warrior!

Be sure to check out my Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad, my Low FODMAP Tuscan Soup, or my Easy Cajun Potato Soup for more quick and easy meal ideas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Secret to Great Tuna White Bean Salad

Freshness is key! Use high-quality tuna and fresh parsley for the best flavor. Trust me, you can taste the difference!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad is a breeze to make ahead. Meal prepping? You can easily double or triple the recipe for the week. Grab-and-go lunch? Yes, please!

Crowd-Pleaser

Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual potluck, everyone will be asking for seconds. It’s flavorful, comforting, and definitely a dish to impress!

Now, to answer some quick FAQs for you!

FAQ

Can I use other beans?

Absolutely! If you have kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas, use them! It’ll still be delicious!

What if I don’t have parsley?

No problem! You could use cilantro, basil, or even just omit it altogether. It’ll still be great!

How do I make this salad vegan?

Swap out the tuna for chickpeas! It’ll have the same hearty feel without the fish.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or halved cherry tomatoes would all be wonderful additions.

With these tips and tricks, you’re ready to make this Tuna White Bean Salad your new favorite family meal. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty, gotta love those weeknight dinnertime victories! Let me know how yours turns out! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.

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Fresh tuna white bean salad

Quick and Easy Tuna White Bean Salad


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A delicious and refreshing Tuna White Bean Salad that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for a quick meal or side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can of tuna, drained
  • 1 can of navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients by draining the tuna and navy beans, ensuring no excess liquid remains.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the tuna and navy beans, then add the diced red onion and chopped parsley. Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, and toss gently until well combined.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as necessary.
  4. Serve immediately, warm or cold, or refrigerate for a flavorful meal prep option.
  5. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

Feel free to customize this salad with any beans or veggies you have on hand. Great for meal prep!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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