Rustic White Bean Salad Recipe

Tangy White Bean, Artichoke, and Caramelized Tomato Salad Recipe

Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors dance across this vibrant white bean, artichoke, and caramelized tomato salad that promises a burst of freshness.

Juicy tomatoes caramelize into sweet golden nuggets, releasing rich depth and complexity to every bite.

Tender white beans add creamy texture and hearty protein to this light yet satisfying dish.

Delicate artichoke hearts bring a subtle earthiness that perfectly complements the robust ingredients.

Each forkful tells a story of sun-ripened produce and carefully balanced seasonings that sing with simplicity.

Crisp herbs and a zesty vinaigrette tie these beautiful ingredients together in a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Dive into this salad and let your taste buds travel to a rustic Italian countryside.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Craft White Bean, Artichoke & Tomato Salad

For Roasting and Caramelizing:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet bursts that transform into intense flavor bombs when roasted.
  • Brown Sugar: Helps create deep caramelization and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Fleur de Sel: Delicate salt that enhances natural tomato richness.
  • Olive Oil: Provides silky coating and helps tomatoes roast evenly.
For Protein and Texture:
  • White Beans: Creamy protein powerhouse that adds substantial body to salad.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Tender, slightly tangy vegetable bringing Mediterranean elegance.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty cheese that introduces sharp flavor contrast.
For Crunch and Freshness:
  • Slivered Almonds: Nutty, crisp element that provides delightful textural surprise.
  • Red Onion: Sharp, colorful slices adding zingy crunch and vibrant visual appeal.
  • Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb delivering bright, peppery green notes.
For Dressing and Finishing:
  • Lemon Juice: Zesty acid that lifts and balances entire salad's flavor profile.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Rich, dark liquid introducing complex sweet-tangy undertones.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity liquid that binds all ingredients harmoniously.

Gear List for White Bean & Artichoke Salad

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cherry tomatoes to caramelized perfection.
  • Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing tomatoes with olive oil, brown sugar, and salt.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for halving cherry tomatoes and slicing red onion.
  • Skillet: Great for toasting slivered almonds quickly and evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for combining beans, onion, artichokes, and tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for portioning ingredients accurately.
  • Lemon Squeezer: Optional but convenient for adding fresh lemon juice.

How to Make the Caramelized Tomato & White Bean Salad

  • Tomato Transformation

Slice cherry tomatoes and coat them with olive oil, brown sugar, and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt. These jewel-like morsels will caramelize into sweet, concentrated flavor bombs in the oven.

  • Nutty Golden Touch

Quickly toast slivered almonds in a hot skillet until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, releasing their rich, toasty aroma.

  • Salad Symphony

Layer white beans, sliced red onion, and tender artichoke pieces into a beautiful bowl. Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes so their caramelized essence mingles with the other ingredients.

  • Finishing Flourish

Crumble tangy feta cheese over the salad. Scatter the toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them generously. Add a bright splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to tie all the flavors together.

  • Serve and Savor

Let the salad rest for a few moments to allow the flavors to dance and meld. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Tips to Play Around with Your Artichoke Salad

  • Swap white beans with chickpeas or lentils to create alternative protein-packed versions that keep the salad nutritious and exciting.
  • Replace basil with oregano, thyme, or mint to transform the salad's aromatic profile and surprise your taste buds with unexpected herbal notes.
  • Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, assembling just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crisp textures.
  • Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if preparing for guests with dietary restrictions, making this salad a versatile and inclusive dish.

Serve White Bean & Artichoke Salad with Flair

  • Pair with Warm Crusty Bread: Serve this vibrant salad alongside a freshly toasted slice of rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the delicious balsamic and olive oil dressing.
  • Create a Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the salad as part of a colorful spread with hummus, olives, grilled halloumi, and pita bread for a stunning shared meal experience.
  • Transform into a Hearty Lunch Bowl: Turn the salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, quinoa, or a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and substance.
  • Elevate with Wine Pairing: Complement the salad's bright flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, zesty Pinot Grigio to enhance the dining experience.

White Bean Salad: Make-Ahead & Storage Suggestions

  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and toast almonds up to 2 days before serving to streamline meal preparation and reduce day-of cooking stress.
  • Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for 2-3 days, keeping feta and almonds separate to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
  • Batch Cooking Hack: Double the recipe to create multiple meals, separating components to keep ingredients fresh and textures vibrant throughout the week.
  • Temperature Serving Tip: Enjoy this salad slightly chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor blending and ingredient texture.
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Rustic White Bean Salad Recipe

Rustic White Bean Salad


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired white bean, artichoke, and caramelized tomato salad combines rich flavors from rustic ingredients. Fresh herbs and tangy dressing elevate this simple dish, making it perfect for summer gatherings or when you crave light, satisfying fare.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can white beans (240 g / 8.5 oz drained)
  • 1 jar grilled artichokes (190 g / 6.7 oz)
  • 50 g (1.8 oz) feta cheese
  • 15 cherry tomatoes
  • 30 g (1.1 oz) slivered almonds
  • 1 fresh red onion
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ lemon
  • pinch of fleur de sel
  • black pepper
  • fresh basil
  • drizzle of olive oil
  • drizzle of white (or classic) balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Roast Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve cherry tomatoes and toss with olive oil, brown sugar, and fleur de sel. Spread on baking sheet and roast 12-15 minutes until edges caramelize and turn golden.
  2. Toast Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast slivered almonds until golden brown and fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice red onion and rinse white beans thoroughly. Drain artichoke hearts and pat dry.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, mix white beans, sliced onion, and artichoke hearts. Gently fold in caramelized roasted tomatoes.
  5. Finish and Dress: Crumble feta cheese over the salad. Sprinkle toasted almonds for crunch. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  6. Serve: Toss ingredients gently to distribute flavors evenly. Serve at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Caramelize with Care: Roast tomatoes precisely between 12-15 minutes to achieve golden edges without burning, watching closely during final minutes.
  • Toasting Technique: When browning almonds, continuously stir and remove from heat immediately after achieving golden color to prevent bitter burning.
  • Bean Preparation: Rinse white beans thoroughly to eliminate excess starch and potential metallic canning taste, ensuring clean flavor profile.
  • Serving Strategy: Consume salad at room temperature within 2 hours for optimal taste and texture, as chilled beans can become firm and less appealing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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