Hey y'all! If you're craving a zesty, delicious dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, look no further than these Italian Marinated White Beans. They’re bursting with fresh herbs, citrus, and rich olive oil, soaking every tender bean with flavor. Whether you serve them as a side, snack, or a hearty salad topper, this recipe is destined to become your go-to. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ready in under 15 minutes — no cooking required.
- Packed with Mediterranean flavors thanks to fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon.
- Super versatile: enjoy as a side, salad, or appetizer.
- Perfect for meal prep — stays fresh and delicious for days.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- ¼ small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Herbs
- Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, parsley, basil, rosemary, red onion, and capers (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all the beans in the marinade.
Step 3: Let It Marinate
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Serve
- Give the beans a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
- If using dried beans, cook them until just tender — about 1 ½ cups cooked beans is equal to two cans.
- The marinated beans get even better as they sit, so they’re perfect for make-ahead meals!
- Add extra lemon or vinegar to brighten the flavor if serving after a day or two.
Variations
- Greek Style: Add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and feta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in baby spinach or arugula before serving.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions
Store Italian Marinated White Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the beans may become mushy after thawing.
Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations
- Serve with grilled bread or as a topping for crostini.
- Delicious alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
- Add to leafy green salads for extra protein and flavor.
Pro Tips
- For the best texture, toss the beans gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Let the beans come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil — it makes a noticeable difference!
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of white bean?
- Absolutely! Great Northern beans or navy beans work perfectly as a substitute for cannellini beans.
- How long can I marinate the beans?
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours or even overnight for the best flavor penetration.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep and gets more flavorful as it sits. Just store in the fridge and stir before serving.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes (includes marinating time)
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- ¼ small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend.
-
2Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, parsley, basil, rosemary, red onion, and capers (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all the beans in the marinade.
-
3Cover the bowl and let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
-
4Give the beans a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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