I made this bean salad the first time because I had zero energy, one can of tuna, and a pantry full of regret. Somehow, it turned out to be one of the best “accidental dinners” I’ve ever thrown together. Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want something quick, actually filling, and not sad.

This isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to impress anyone. But it is a solid, no-cook healthy bean salad that works for lunch, dinner, or when you’re asked to bring a dish to a potluck party and completely forgot. It’s simple, satisfying, and doesn’t taste like you gave up—what more do you want from a cold bean salad recipe?

Tuna and Bean Salad

This salad is what happens when you’re too tired to cook but still want to feel like a responsible adult. Creamy beans, briny tuna, and zippy red onion come together in a no-cook, 15-minute miracle that tastes way fancier than the effort it takes.

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Prep Time 15

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Colander
Spoon

Ingredients

3 cups canned borlotti beans drained and rinsed
1 medium red onion thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 5-ounce cans tuna in olive oil, drained
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Soften the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl. Cover with cold water and stir in the lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the flavor.
1 medium red onion, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep the Beans: Drain and rinse the borlotti beans under cold water. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3 cups canned borlotti beans
Assemble the Salad Base: Drain the onion and add it to the bowl with the beans. Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then mix gently to combine.
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, Salt, Black pepper
Add Tuna and Parsley: Flake the tuna into large chunks and add it to the bowl along with the chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently so the tuna stays a bit chunky.
2 5-ounce cans tuna in olive oil, drained, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Serve or Chill: Serve right away or refrigerate for up to an hour if you want it colder. Tastes great with some crusty bread or a wedge of cheese on the side.

Tuna & Bean Salad Like a Pro (Because Yes, You Can Mess Up a No-Cook Recipe) 🙃

Look, this cold bean salad may look foolproof, but after making it roughly a thousand times (some of those with half-functioning taste buds and an empty fridge), I’ve learned a few things. Here are my tried-and-true tips, tricks, and swaps—because life happens, and so does running out of parsley.

🧅 Red Onion Drama? Tone It Down.
If you’re not into crying through your salad prep, soak those red onion slices in lemon water for a few minutes. It takes the edge off and keeps people from talking about your “aggressive onion energy” later.

🐟 Use the Good Tuna (Yes, It Matters)
Skip the mystery-meat cans in water. Get the tuna packed in olive oil—preferably the kind that comes in a jar and makes you feel slightly European. You’re worth it.

🌿 Out of Parsley? Don’t Panic.
No parsley? Use basil, cilantro, or just skip it. I’ve used leftover arugula, green onion tops, and even celery leaves once. Salad still slapped.

🥫 No Borlotti Beans? Use What You’ve Got.
Can’t find borlotti? White beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas will work just fine. This is one of those bean salad recipes that forgives and forgets.

🍋 No Lemons, Only Sad Limes? It’ll Live.
Lemon juice adds that fresh zip, but lime works in a pinch. Honestly, I’ve used vinegar only before and lived to tell the tale. This salad is chill like that.

🍅 Want to Make It Fancy? Add Stuff.
Quartered cherry tomatoes, capers, cucumber, or even a hard-boiled egg can make this feel like you tried. I toss in whatever looks lonely in the fridge.

🧂 Season Like You Mean It.
Salt and pepper aren’t optional. Taste and adjust. Then taste again. Your beans are counting on you.

🥖 Serve It With Bread (You Know You Want To)
A hunk of crusty bread on the side turns this into a full-on meal. Bonus points if you swipe it through the bottom of the bowl like a true salad gremlin.

❄️ Make It Ahead… but Not Too Far Ahead
It’s great chilled, but don’t let it sit for days. The tuna starts to get weird and your onion might stage a mutiny. One day ahead is perfect.

Need more chaos in your salad? Try adding a spoonful of mayo and pretend it’s a secret French family recipe. I won’t tell. 😎

Cold Bean Salad Bliss: The Ultimate Healthy Bean Salad Recipe with Tuna for Easy Lunches & Potluck Parties