I have made Tuscan Tuna and Bean Salad many times, but I found this new-to-me delicious tuna and for me it just took this salad over the top. If you think you don’t like tuna it is probably because you have not had good tuna. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth the splurge, and if you divide the cost by 4, it becomes an inexpensive protein.
I went to an International market a while back and found this tuna on sale for $5.00. I think with the beans I could generously serve a 4 serving lunch. So if you think of it that way it becomes cheap. I cooked my own beans and the lettuce was on sale. So I think this became an inexpensive lunch.
I usually buy tuna in water, because the oil is not that flavorful, and then there is the calories to consider. But, this time I actually bought the tuna in oil. I used the oil in the dressing along with some white balsamic vinegar, a little Dijon and it made its own dressing.
I found some new tomatoes at the market. They are miniature San Marzano. I think they have less seeds than the other grape tomatoes. I know it is not tomato season yet, but I am unable wait for my tomato fix.
I shredded the lettuce and made a bed, then scooped on the tuna and bean salad. I seasoned the tomatoes before I added them to my salad. I guess that is not necessary, but I wanted each bite to be the best bite.
This is such a versatile recipe. You can use any acid – meaning lemon juice, white balsamic, or red wine vinegar. Add your favorite fresh herb. I would encourage you to give it a try. I have not been paid to indorse this tuna, but I like to let you know when I think I found a great find.
- Lettuce – a handful for each serving
- 2 cups white beans (or 1-15 oz. can rinsed well)
- 1 jar of tuna
- 4 tablespoon red onion – diced small
- 8-10 grape tomatoes – halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon parsley - chopped
- 4 tablespoon vinegar of your choice
- 2 tablespoon oil – (you may not need any extra oil)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Wash, dry well and shred your lettuce; set aside; save a few leaves for bedding.
- Drain the beans. If you didn’t cook your own beans (I’m not judging) rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Fine dice the red onion.
- Add onions in a bowl with the vinegar. (This will keep the onions from oxidizing or becoming too strong.)
- Add the beans – toss well.
- Add the parsley or your herb of choice.
- Add the tuna with the oil.
- Stir and adjust the oil or vinegar. You may need more oil or not – adjust to your taste.
- Cut the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- In a serving size bowl add a bed of lettuce and top with tuna and bean salad.
- Top with the tomatoes.
- Serve with some good bread - A baguette or some toast soldiers.
- Enjoy your lunch.
I am taking this to
Susan’s at Metamorphosis Monday
Nicoles’ at Munching Mondays
Charlene’s at Busy Monday’s
Debbie’s at Confessions of a Plate Addict
Kathe‘s at Your Gonna Love It Tuesday
The LouLou Girls Link Party
Megin’ at Brag About It
Gina’s at Create Link Inspire
Lori’s at Tickle my Tastebuds
Karyn’s at Two Cup Tuesday
Stephanie’s at Tasty Tuesday
Kim’s at Wow Us Wednesday
Leslie’s at Create It Thursday
Miz Helen’s at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
Michael’s at Foodie Friday
Jody’s at Simple and Sweet Fridays
Sherry at Olives-n-Okra
Aimee at Share Your Creativity
I recently read about some hip, tiny new restaurant that had no oven or stove, but only opened cans of high-quality fish (anchovies, tuna, sardines) and served them in creative ways. This recipe is definitely on trend!
If you would have told me that before I tried this tuna I would have been more than skeptical, but this really is a great tuna. I have only been exposed to bad sardines so maybe I will give it another go.
Thanks so much Wini for stopping by. I can’t gush enough about your food and you always teach me a little something.
Your meal looks not only colorful, but healthy, Madonna. I haven’t heard of that tuna, but I’m glad that you found it to be a good quality one. Thank you for sharing the recipe with us.
Kitty, if you get a chance to try this it will spoil you. I think it would go perfectly with your strawberry dessert.
I like tuna and beans and your salad looks very good. Perhaps when we move to Florida, I’ll be able to find the jarred tuna.
Karen, this is a really good tuna and I would encourage you to have a jar or two in the pantry for those emergency lunches, but I have to say when you get to Florida you should have access to all types of seafood.
I hope your move goes smoothly.
Unfortunately, it is not often that I eat this kind of tuna out of a jar. It can be expensive, but if it is the main ingredient in a salad, I go for it anyway. It tastes so much better than out of the can. Love your salad.
Susan, I have to say it was more than I usually spend on a can of tuna, but I would encourage you to spurge on one jar and see what you think. I am pretty sure it will serve four in a salad and when you think of it that way it is not that costly.
Thanks for stopping by Susan.
Love beans w/ tuna..and LEMON..
It all stems from a sweet lunch a girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend made for us one day..
Pepper too..and olive oil:)
Thanks for stopping by Monique. I hope everyone will give this a try. It really is a great lunch. You can use the olive oil that the tuna is packed in. And yes, a squeeze of lemon brightens a dish.
Maybe your friend should have kept that ex. 🙂
I love the combo of tuna and beans — they’re just made for each other. Buying good tuna has become difficult, hasn’t it? I usually get the tuna in oil, although I agree it often doesn’t taste much better than the water-packed stuff. Definitely need to find this tuna — it looks terrific. As does the recipe. 😉 Thanks!
Thanks John. This tuna will spoil you. Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your thoughts.
This colorful salad is a perfect way to celebrate spring!
Thanks for stopping by Daniela. It is a great meal to stock in the pantry.
I like tuna, but you’re right it does have to do with the quality of the tuna. And the salad sounds great.
I’ve never found fancy tuna like this in the shops but your salad is definitely calling my name. It’s healthy, delicious and easy to make. What could anyone want more than this?
Thanks for stopping by Maureen. I hope you will give it a try with any good tuna you can find.
What a beautiful salad – and perfect for the season. I am intrigued by the tuna you purchased. I will have to try and find some in a market near me. I have not seen that brand before. I would love to taste it. Salads like this – bean and protein – are so satisfying, both to the eye and the palate. Plus when I see dishes like this I know summer can not be far off. Greetings to you, and I hope all is well.
Thanks Adri. I found it at an International market on sale. Hope you will give it a try.
This looks so incredible! I’m always so amazed by your talent. Pinned and tweeted. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm and party with us! It is so super fun to see what you have been working on! Lou Lou Girls
What a perfect lunch! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
What a perfect salad! It’s featured this week on Funtastic Friday. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us. Hope to see you again this week.
That looks great! I would never think of putting tuna and beans together. Will have to try this one! Thanks for sharing.
Jebbica this is so good and healthy too. This tuna will make it difficult to eat just any tuna. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will give this a try.