Italian White Beans with Tuna

Transform your mealtime with this simple yet flavorful Italian White Beans with Tuna recipe, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a quick, satisfying dinner. This fuss-free recipe combines tender cannellini beans and rich, olive-oil-packed tuna, creating a creamy, protein-packed base that’s elevated by the tangy brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. A sauté of red onion and garlic adds a fragrant depth, while briny capers and fresh herbs like parsley and basil bring bursts of vibrant flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish can be served on its own or paired with crusty bread or crackers for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Healthy, delicious, and delightfully easy, this is a must-try for fans of Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 15 oz canned white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans)
• 5 oz canned tuna in olive oil
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 red onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 loaf crusty bread or crackers (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned white beans, then set them aside.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained white beans and the tuna, including its olive oil.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4

Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bean and tuna mixture.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, chopped parsley, and torn basil leaves.

Step 6

Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

Step 8

Serve the Italian White Beans with Tuna at room temperature or slightly chilled, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1205.7 grams (1205.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1996

Total Fat 34.10g	44%
Saturated Fat 5.90g	30%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 71mg	24%
Sodium 5548mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 328.80g	120%
Dietary Fiber 33.00g	118%
Total Sugars 17.10g
Protein 96.20g	192%

Vitamin D 284IU	1418%
Calcium 480mg	37%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 2103mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 65.5%