Quick & Fresh: Ina Garten’s White Bean Salad Recipe Magic

White bean salad offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Hearty legumes and vibrant herbs dance together in this refreshing composition.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp vegetable accents.

Zesty seasonings elevate the simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners welcome this versatile recipe with open arms.

The balanced combination of ingredients creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing creation: get ready to fall in love.

Why Ina Garten White Bean Salad Works Every Time

• Flavor Explosion: A harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and prosciutto creates a mouthwatering taste profile that dances on your palate with complex, bold Mediterranean-inspired notes.
• Texture Magic: The creamy white beans contrast beautifully with crispy prosciutto and peppery arugula, delivering a satisfying mix of soft and crunchy elements that make every bite interesting.
• Meal Prep Champion: This flexible white bean salad can be prepared ahead of time, served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious food without last-minute stress.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich beans, heart-healthy olive oil, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients That Make Ina Garten White Bean Salad Special

Main Ingredients:

• White Beans: Hearty base of the salad, providing creamy texture and protein-rich foundation.

• Red Onion: Adds sweet and sharp flavor, softens when cooked to create depth.
• Rosemary: Classic herb with piney, woody notes that complement bean dishes.
• Garlic: Robust flavor enhancer with aromatic qualities.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy ingredient that brings intense Mediterranean flavor.
• Prosciutto: Thin, salty Italian ham that provides rich, umami undertones.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and balances the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and mild spiciness.

• Olive Oil: High-quality, rich cooking and flavoring oil with smooth texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, subtle spiciness and complexity.

• Baby Arugula: Peppery green that adds color, texture, and fresh contrast to the salad.

Quick Guide to Ina Garten White Bean Salad Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Bean Bath

Submerge white beans in a spacious bowl with chilled water, ensuring liquid covers beans by two inches. Allow beans to rest in refrigerator overnight. Cover bowl with protective wrap.

Step 2: Cleanse Beans

Drain soaked beans using a colander. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Shake off excess liquid completely.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in a substantial pot over medium flame. Gently cook red onions until softened and translucent, approximately 7-9 minutes.

Step 4: Gentle Bean Simmer

• Add beans to onion pot
• Pour water until beans are fully submerged
• Bring liquid to rolling boil
• Remove foam from surface
• Reduce heat to low
• Simmer for 45 minutes until beans reach tender consistency

Step 5: Create Aromatic Oil Blend

• Heat olive oil in large skillet
• Add sun-dried tomatoes
• Incorporate minced garlic
• Sprinkle rosemary
• Introduce red pepper flakes
• Toss in prosciutto pieces

Cook mixture for 4-5 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Marry Flavors

Combine hot seasoned oil with warm beans. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Allow mixture to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Brighten With Citrus

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend while ingredients remain warm.

Step 8: Serve With Elegance

Garnish with delicate baby arugula. Transfer to elegant serving dish. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve at warm room temperature.

Tips That Boost Flavor in Ina Garten White Bean Salad

• Boost Bean Texture: Soaking dried beans overnight softens them, reduces cooking time, and helps them absorb flavors more evenly.
• Master Gentle Sautéing: Control your stovetop heat to prevent burning onions and ensure they caramelize beautifully without turning bitter.
• Squeeze Maximum Citrus: Roll fresh lemons on the counter before juicing to release more liquid and extract every drop of bright, zesty flavor.
• Create Uniform Chop: Consistent vegetable and protein sizes guarantee balanced flavor and texture in every delightful forkful.
• Season with Confidence: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, letting your palate guide the final salt and pepper balance for a perfectly seasoned dish.

How to Store Ina Garten White Bean Salad the Right Way

• Airtight Container Magic: Seal the white bean salad in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant flavors. Glass prevents unwanted odor absorption and keeps ingredients fresher compared to plastic containers.
• Temperature Control: Maintain the salad's quality by storing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consistently low temperatures between 35-40°F help preserve the delicate arugula and prevent rapid vegetable deterioration.
• Quick Consumption Strategy: Enjoy the salad within 2-3 days for optimal taste and nutritional value. After this period, the arugula might wilt and tomatoes could lose their bright, fresh characteristics, diminishing the overall dining experience.

Swaps and Twists for Ina Garten White Bean Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Enhance the salad by adding fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme to intensify the herb profile and create a more vibrant Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace prosciutto with crispy diced chorizo to introduce a smoky, spicy element that adds depth and richness to the white bean base.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to transform the salad into a more substantial and colorful vegetable-packed dish.
• Citrus Brightness: Swap lemon for orange zest and juice, incorporating segments of blood orange to bring a sweeter, more complex citrus dimension to the original recipe.

Wrapping Up Ina Garten White Bean Salad Insights

White Bean Salad emerges as culinary poetry, blending Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm.

California-grown beans mingle with sun-kissed tomatoes and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of taste.

Prosciutto adds luxurious depth, while lemon zest provides bright, tangy notes.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that whispers of Italian countryside kitchens.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this salad invites exploration of complex flavor profiles.

Quick clicks to share this culinary journey will spread deliciousness faster than you can say “bon appétit” – so tap those like buttons, comment with your flavor experiences, and spread the delectable love!

Ina Garten White Bean Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s white bean salad brings Mediterranean charm to summer tables with fresh herbs and zesty vinaigrette. Crisp vegetables and creamy beans create a light, refreshing dish perfect for picnics and gatherings you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ¾ pound (340 grams) dried cannellini beans
• 2 ounces (57 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and small-diced
• 2 ounces (57 grams) thinly sliced prosciutto, small-diced
• 2 ounces (57 grams) baby arugula

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 red onion, halved lengthwise and sliced into ¼-inch-thick half-rounds
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Oils and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) plus ½ cup (120 milliliters) good olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse dried beans in a spacious container with cold water, ensuring liquid covers ingredients by 2 inches (5 centimeters). Refrigerate overnight, allowing beans to hydrate and soften completely.
2. Drain soaked beans through a colander, rinse thoroughly under cool running water, and set aside to drain excess moisture.
3. Select a heavy-bottomed pot and warm of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté chopped red onion until translucent and softened, approximately 7-9 minutes.
4. Transfer prepared beans into the pot with onions, adding fresh water to exceed bean level by 3 inches (7.5 centimeters). Bring liquid to a vigorous boil, carefully removing any foam that surfaces, then reduce temperature to maintain a gentle simmer for 45-50 minutes until beans become tender.
5. Meanwhile, prepare a separate 10-12 inch (25-30 centimeter) skillet, heating olive oil over medium temperature. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, red pepper flakes, and diced prosciutto, cooking for 4-5 minutes until ingredients release their aromatic qualities.
6. Carefully incorporate the infused oil mixture into warm, drained beans and onions, ensuring even distribution of flavors. Allow mixture to rest and integrate for approximately 10 minutes.
7. While ingredients are still warm, introduce lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to blend seasonings throughout.
8. Elegantly plate the bean mixture in a wide, shallow serving vessel. Garnish with delicate baby arugula leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and serve either warm or at ambient room temperature.

Notes

• Prep work is key to a delicious final dish, so chop all ingredients uniformly for even cooking and balanced flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire recipe, adding a zesty tang that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Maintaining medium heat prevents burning and ensures vegetables and meats cook evenly without losing their natural textures.
• Soaking beans overnight softens them completely, reducing cooking time and improving digestibility.
• Taste testing is crucial – adjust seasonings gradually to create a perfectly balanced salad that suits your personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg