Easy White Bean Salad Recipe: Quick & Healthy with Shrimp or Chicken
This incredibly easy white bean salad is a true lifesaver, coming together in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying dinner or a wholesome, hearty lunch. Bursting with protein from nutrient-rich beans and your choice of cooked shrimp or chicken, plus an abundance of crisp, fresh vegetables, every bite is coated in a vibrant and light lemon vinaigrette. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a quick, healthy, and versatile pantry staple you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
The Power of Easy Pantry Meals
This delightful white bean salad is another star in our ongoing series dedicated to highlighting easy meals from your pantry. When we talk about “pantry,” we’re not just referring to your dry goods shelves. Our definition extends to everything you might have on hand: canned goods and dry staples in your pantry, fresh produce and dairy in your fridge, and even frozen meats or vegetables in your freezer. The goal is to maximize what you already possess to create wholesome, flavorful meals with minimal effort and grocery runs.
Previous recipes in this series, such as the hearty Tuscan White Bean Salad and the ultra-fast 10 Minute Chickpea Wraps, demonstrate a crucial principle: keeping a good supply of canned or frozen beans is a game-changer. These humble legumes are incredibly versatile, cost-effective, and packed with nutrition, making them the foundation for countless quick dinners or lunches that can be whipped up almost anytime inspiration strikes.
Why You’ll Love This White Bean Salad
As I brainstormed more pantry-friendly meals to share, I aimed to develop a white bean salad recipe with a more neutral, foundational base. This approach allows for maximum flexibility, enabling you to incorporate a wide array of ingredients you already have on hand. It’s designed to be adaptable, catering to different tastes, dietary needs, and whatever ingredients are currently in your kitchen.
This recipe is the culmination of that effort, and I am absolutely enamored with it! It’s astonishingly simple to assemble, requiring very little fuss. While you could certainly use any vinaigrette dressing you prefer, I’m convinced that the light and zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette is truly special here. Its bright, fresh notes perfectly complement the creamy beans and crisp vegetables, and it’s particularly outstanding when paired with the succulent shrimp featured in the recipe photos. This dressing truly elevates the entire dish, creating a harmony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The Ultimate Meal Prep Solution
And let’s talk about meal prep! This white bean salad is a dream come true for anyone looking to eat healthy throughout the week without daily cooking. If you store the bean salad separately from any leafy greens you plan to serve it with, it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for an entire week. In fact, many find that the flavors meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious on day two or three. This makes it an ideal option for batch cooking on a Sunday, providing you with nutritious lunches or dinners that are ready to go.
Endless Customization: Your Kitchen, Your Rules
These truly are my favorite kinds of recipes—the ones that provide a solid base and encourage improvisation based on what’s available. Think of this white bean salad as your culinary canvas:
- No shrimp? No problem! Easily substitute with cooked, frozen chicken (simply thaw and shred or dice), or even use leftover roasted chicken.
- Need a vegetarian option? Simply omit the meat and increase the amount of fresh vegetables. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a scoop of creamy goat cheese can add a delightful tangy element if you include dairy.
- Got jars of preserved goodies? What about that jar of pickled green beans or roasted red peppers in your fridge? Chop them up and toss them into the salad. Their tangy, briny flavors will add a fantastic depth and zing, transforming the salad in exciting ways.
My sincere hope is that this “back pocket” recipe will become a reliable staple in your culinary repertoire, ensuring you always have a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner idea ready to come to life, no matter how busy your schedule is.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Variations for Your Perfect Salad
One of the beauties of this white bean salad is its incredible adaptability. While the core ingredients lay a fantastic foundation, there’s ample room for personal touches and substitutions. Let’s explore the base components and a plethora of ideas for additions that can transform this simple salad into a meal uniquely yours.
The Base Recipe Essentials
- Cooked white beans: The star of the show! Cannellini beans are often preferred for their creamy texture, but great northern or navy beans work just as well. For those who enjoy variety, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are an excellent substitute, offering a slightly nuttier flavor and firm texture. Beans are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, making this salad incredibly filling and nutritious. Whether from a can (rinsed and drained) or cooked from dried (how to cook and freeze beans), they are a healthy pantry hero.
- Chopped onions: A crucial aromatic that adds a pungent, fresh bite to the salad. Red onions offer a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter, milder flavor when raw, while yellow onions provide a more traditional, sharper kick. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, try soaking diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow its intensity, or opt for milder green onions (scallions) or chives for a subtler taste.
- Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: While any dressing you love will work, this homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette is truly magical with white beans. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the beans, and the fresh herbs infuse it with an irresistible aroma. Making your own dressing is incredibly simple, economical, and allows you to avoid unhealthy oils and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought versions. Seriously, if there’s one thing I encourage everyone to master in the kitchen, it’s homemade salad dressings—they literally take less than 5 minutes, save money, and ensure you’re consuming only wholesome ingredients. You can also explore other vinaigrette variations here, or try a maple balsamic dressing for a different flavor profile.
Ideas for Additions: Personalize Your Salad
This is where you can truly make the white bean salad your own! Don’t hesitate to raid your fridge and pantry for these delightful additions:
- Cooked protein: Beyond shrimp and chicken, consider leftover roasted turkey, canned tuna (drained), flaked cooked salmon, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and substance. If using shrimp, while pre-cooked is convenient, raw shrimp cooked quickly in a skillet with a touch of olive oil and garlic often yields a more tender and flavorful result.
- Fresh Vegetables: Elevate the salad with more color and crunch.
- Chopped sweet peppers: Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) add vibrant color and a sweet crunch. For a unique twist, try mild green peppers like Anaheim or poblano, which offer a different, subtle smoky flavor profile.
- Tomatoes: Diced Roma tomatoes, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) provide a juicy burst of flavor.
- Cucumbers: Sliced or chopped cucumbers, especially English or Persian varieties, add a refreshing coolness and crisp texture.
- Greens: Serve the white bean salad atop a bed of peppery arugula, delicate spinach, hearty massaged kale, or a simple crisp chopped lettuce like romaine.
- Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, but add it just before serving to prevent browning.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, mint, or cilantro can brighten the flavors immensely.
- Cheeses: A variety of cheeses can introduce wonderful depth and saltiness.
- Grated parmesan or romano: Adds a sharp, salty, umami kick.
- Crumbled feta: Brings a tangy, briny flavor.
- Queso fresco: Offers a mild, creamy texture.
- Goat cheese: Provides a distinctively tart and creamy element.
- Blue cheese: For those who love a bold, pungent flavor.
- Pickled & Fermented Foods: These ingredients are fantastic for adding a complex tangy, acidic, and sometimes spicy layer.
- Pickled foods: Chopped pickled green beans (especially homemade!), zesty pepperoncini, jarred roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, giardiniera, or quick pickled jalapeños.
- Fermented veggies: For an extra probiotic boost and unique flavor, consider chopped fermented cauliflower and carrots, corn relish, fermented jalapeños, or even a side of homemade sauerkraut.
- Crunchy Elements: Toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), or homemade croutons can add a delightful textural contrast.
TIP: If you’ve only got raw shrimp in the freezer, don’t fret! Cooking it yourself only adds about 5 minutes to your prep time, and the resulting shrimp is often more tender and flavorful than pre-cooked varieties. I usually opt to quickly cook raw shrimp if I’m using it for this salad, ensuring optimal texture and taste.
How to Make White Bean Salad with Shrimp
Preparing this vibrant white bean salad is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for busy schedules. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients. Begin by ensuring all your chosen ingredients are ready. If using raw shrimp, quickly sauté it in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and a minced garlic clove until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then chop into bite-sized pieces if desired. Drain and rinse your white beans thoroughly. Dice your onion and any other vegetables you’re adding. Place all these prepared salad components into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing and Combine. In a separate small bowl or a 1-cup glass measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for your lemon-herb vinaigrette. Whisk vigorously until everything is well combined and emulsified. Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bean, every piece of shrimp, and every vegetable is coated in the flavorful vinaigrette. Serve immediately on a bed of fresh greens, if desired, or chill for later enjoyment.
Storage Tips for Freshness
This white bean salad is fantastic for meal prepping! To maximize its freshness and extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When kept separate from any leafy greens you plan to serve it with, the salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to 7 days. If you’re planning to serve it over greens, add the greens just before serving to prevent them from wilting and becoming soggy. The flavors of the salad will actually develop and deepen overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day.
Health Benefits of This Wholesome Salad
Beyond its incredible ease and delicious taste, this white bean salad is a nutritional powerhouse. White beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which are crucial for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The addition of lean protein like shrimp or chicken further boosts the protein content, supporting muscle health and overall satiety. The fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the olive oil in the vinaigrette provides healthy monounsaturated fats. This salad is a perfect example of a balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle without compromising on flavor or convenience.
Recipes To Serve This With
While this salad is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread to soak up all that delicious vinaigrette. Here are some of our favorite bread recipes:
- Easy Artisan Bread
- Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread (Ready in 1 Day)
- Tutorial: Simple French Baguettes
You can also serve it alongside a light soup, as a side dish to grilled fish or chicken, or even tuck it into pita bread for a delicious sandwich. The possibilities are truly endless!
I genuinely hope you enjoy this bright and lemony white bean salad as much as I do! If you give it a try, please be sure to leave a rating and review below. Your feedback helps me understand how much you loved it and inspires new recipe creations!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
SaveSaved!
Easy White Bean Salad with Shrimp or Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 pound of cooked shrimp thawed if frozen OR 2 cups of cooked chicken
- 1 15-ounce can white beans any kind, drained (use 2 cans for 4 servings)
- 1/2 onion, diced
Lemon Vinaigrette*:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice preferably fresh
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried herbs optional (basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano or a mix like Italian)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional
Optional Vegetables:
- Chopped sweet peppers, or mild green peppers like Anaheim or poblano for a different flavor profile
- Chopped tomatoes or top with halved grape tomatoes.
- Cucumbers, sliced or chopped
- Cheese: grated parmesan or romano, crumbled feta, queso fresco, goat, or blue cheese.
- Pickled foods: chopped pickled green beans, pepperoncini, roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, giardiniera, pickled jalapeños.
- Fermented veggies: chopped fermented cauliflower and carrots, corn relish, fermented jalapeños even sauerkraut served on the side.
- Lettuce, spinach, or chopped kale for serving
Instructions
-
Thaw (or cook) shrimp if needed and gather the salad ingredients you’re using, placing them into a medium bowl as each is ready.
-
Add all vinaigrette ingredients into a 1-cup glass measuring cup and whisk well to combine.
-
Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss.
-
Serve salad on a base of chopped greens, if desired.
Notes
Storage: For optimal freshness and to prevent sogginess, store the white bean salad in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping it separate from any leafy greens. When stored this way, the salad will remain delicious for up to 7 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, making it excellent for meal prepping.
Nutrition calculated for four servings with 2 cans beans and shrimp as the protein source.
Nutrition
Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read our full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.