A bright, flavorful salad starring creamy white beans, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tender baby spinach, and a quick homemade dressing. Ready in minutes, this makes a healthy, satisfying side or a light meal any day of the week.
Cucumber and tomato salads are a staple because they’re fast, versatile, and pair with almost anything. To make this version a little heartier, canned white beans bring creaminess and substance without overwhelming the fresh vegetables. The result is a satisfying salad that still feels light and bright.
This white bean, tomato, and cucumber salad is an easy twist on a classic. It relies on pantry staples—beans, olive oil, and vinegar—combined with fresh produce and herbs for balance and flavor. Preparation is mostly chopping and tossing, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
Ingredients, tips, and notes
- Cannellini (white) beans – a can of cannellini beans offers a creamy texture that complements the vegetables. Rinse and drain before adding. Great northern or navy beans work well as substitutes.
- Cucumber – an English or Persian cucumber is ideal. These varieties have fewer seeds and less water, keeping the salad crisp.
- Tomatoes – use small tomatoes (grape, cherry, or small vine tomatoes) and quarter them. If you prefer a less watery salad, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Red onion – thinly sliced or chopped for a touch of sharpness and crunch.
- Baby spinach – adds color, texture, and extra nutrients. It wilts just slightly when tossed with the dressing.
- Fresh herbs – parsley, basil, oregano, or dill brighten the salad; dill is particularly lovely here.
- Dressing – a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until combined.
Assemble the salad by chopping the vegetables and combining them with the beans. Shake or whisk the vinaigrette in a small jar, then add about half to the salad and toss. Taste and add more dressing as desired. The light vinaigrette seasons the ingredients without weighing them down.
Optional add-ins
This salad is a great base for mixing in extra ingredients depending on what you have on hand. Try feta or fresh mozzarella for creaminess, olives for briny depth, chopped bell pepper for crunch, or diced avocado for richness. Cubed stale bread transforms it into a quick panzanella. For more protein, fold in canned tuna or serve alongside grilled chicken.
More quick and easy salads
- Marinated mozzarella balls with tomato and avocado
- Pearl couscous salad with tomato and cucumber
- Chopped Greek chickpea salad
- Everyday Italian salad
- Apple cabbage slaw with brown sugar cider vinaigrette
- Corn avocado tomato salad
These salads are handy for expanding a meal, bringing to a gathering, or making an easy portable lunch. If you enjoy white beans, try them in Italian bean salad, braised white beans with tomatoes, or a lemon-orzo white bean soup.
White Bean Tomato Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 English cucumber, sliced and halved
- 1–2 cups small tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 red onion, chopped or thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 handfuls fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano, dill, etc.)
Instructions
- Combine the drained beans, sliced cucumber, quartered tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour about half the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss to coat.
- Gently stir in the baby spinach and fresh herbs. Add more dressing to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Yield: Serves six as a side, or about three as a light main, depending on additions and appetite.
- Variations: Add feta, mozzarella, olives, bell pepper, pepperoncinis, avocado, or cubed stale bread for a panzanella-style salad. Add tuna or grilled chicken for extra protein.