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    Home » Side Dishes » Italian Bean Salad

    Italian Bean Salad

    Published: Jun 7, 2016 · Modified: Oct 2, 2020 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Italian Bean Salad takes just five minutes! Make this delicious, vegan, heart-healthy side dish for potlucks, BBQs, parties or dinner at home!

    Bowl of Italian bean salad in front of a container of it I've got the perfect dish for your next party or potluck. Heck, it's the perfect side for your next meal.

    It's quick, easy, vegan and gluten free. And by "quick," I'm talking five minutes.

    Yes!

    Italian Bean Salad in a glass containerPlus, it's heart healthy and so addictive. We crave this three-bean salad.

    My hubby and I had to cut ourselves off after 1 ½ servings each at lunch the other day, since we were going out that night. Because...you know...beans.

    Anyhow, all you have to do is mix your favorite trio of beans with fresh parsley, olive oil, white vinegar, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I used great northern, chickpeas and black beans.

    Italian Bean Salad in a mixing bowl with spoonI have to admit, I feel awkward and self conscious saying "chickpeas," or "garbanzo" beans. They both refer to what Italians call "ceci" (chay-chee) beans.

    "Chickpeas" sounds so misleading. And isn't Garbanzo a Muppets character? Oh, wait...that's Gonzo.

    Never mind.

    overhead view of Italian Bean Salad in a bowlApparently, I've lived in an Italian bubble most of my life. I remember the first time I needed to buy ceci at the grocery store.

    It was years ago, way before the Internet was at our fingertips. I scanned the shelves of beans up and down, not finding them anywhere.

    I noticed a can of chickpeas with a photo of what looked like ceci, but I wasn't sure what they were.

    So, I called Mom. (Before Google, there was Mom.)

    "Mom, I can't find ceci beans. But I found these chickpeas with a picture that looks just like ceci."

    "In America, they're called chickpeas," Mom told me.

    "What?!!"

    Since I was born in the United States and have lived here my whole life, it probably would've been helpful to know the English terms for ceci and other Italian foods before I turned 30.

    So, to any young, first-generation, Italian Americans out there: Call me before you go grocery shopping on your own.

    Enjoy!

    (Recipe Source: Inspired by my aunt's Italian bean salad)

    More Italian salads

    • Carrot Salad
    • Italian Potato Salad
    • The Best Green Salad
    Italian bean salad in a bowl with fork

    Italian Bean Salad

    All you need is five minutes to make this Italian Bean Salad! It's a delicious side dish that's vegan, gluten free and heart healthy!
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 346kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • 1 15-ounce can great northern beans (or cannellini)
    • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans)
    • 1 15-ounce can black beans
    • ¼ cup fresh snipped parsley
    • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon white vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a fine mesh strainer or colander, drain and rinse your beans with cold water. Add your beans to a medium bowl.
    • Rinse some fresh parsley and snip the leaves off the stems until you can measure out ¼ cup of loosely packed parsley. Add the parsley to your bowl of beans.
    • In a liquid measuring cup, add your vinegar, olive oil and seasonings. Whisk them to blend, then pour the dressing over the beans. Toss the bean salad with two spoons to mix it.
    • Serve the bean salad at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 5-6 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 748mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 5.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

     

    two photos of Italian Bean Salad separated by the words, \"Italian Bean Salad\"
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser

      June 22, 2016 at 5:37 pm

      Oh Yum-playing catch-up A-

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 22, 2016 at 8:01 pm

        Hi Cheryl!

        Reply
    2. Suchi @elegantmeraki

      June 07, 2016 at 10:21 am

      5 stars
      I am always on lookout for new bean salad! Healthy, tasty and nutritious!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 07, 2016 at 10:29 am

        Yes, this is guilt free. Thanks for stopping by, Suchi!

        Reply
    3. Kristen

      June 07, 2016 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      I love bean salad. its my favorite summer side dish. And I call them chickpeas 😉

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 07, 2016 at 9:28 am

        It's so good, whatever we call the beans! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jolina - The Unlikely Baker

      June 07, 2016 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      Yes I know...beans lol! This dish looks delicious. And I love how you can pick your 3 favourites and mix it up. It looks very filling too. And 5 minutes? Can't beat that 🙂

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 07, 2016 at 9:27 am

        Lol! Thanks, Jolina!

        Reply
    5. Mark, Compass & Fork

      June 07, 2016 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      Love all those beans. Look at all of that color! So healthy and quick to make. Nice job.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 07, 2016 at 8:56 am

        Thanks, Mark! Plus, the flavor can't be beat for such a small amount of effort.

        Reply
    6. Kate @ Veggie Desserts

      June 07, 2016 at 8:47 am

      What a fantastic, super-quick side dish. I'll have to call chickpeas Gonzo beans now 🙂

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 07, 2016 at 8:55 am

        Haha! Now you know how my brain works. Thanks, Kate!

        Reply

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    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

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