White Bean and Artichoke Salad

This vibrant White Bean and Artichoke Salad is a protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s fresh, satisfying, and ready in 15 minutes.

A bowl white bean and artichoke salad

This 15-Minute Salad Tastes Gourmet

This easy-to-make White Bean and Artichoke Salad is a simple way to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based dish packed with protein with gourmet flavor. This salad feels light yet satisfying, with creamy cannellini beans, tender artichoke hearts, chopped parsley, crisp cucumber, and tasty dressing.

It’s the perfect salad to make ahead for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or a shareable side at gatherings.

Bright and zesty salad comes together in minutes

The lemon-garlic dressing ties everything together with a bright, zesty finish that balances the earthy flavors. Fresh herbs like the parsley and basil add a pop of color and freshness, making this salad just as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, it comes together in minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients, so you can whip it up anytime without stress.

Serve at home, for weekly meal prep or gatherings

Whether you’re planning a picnic, need a dish for potluck, prepping healthy meals for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing vegan side, this white bean and artichoke salad checks every box. It’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and full of fiber and plant protein, proving that simple ingredients can create an impressive and nourishing dish.

A bowl white bean and artichoke salad plus olives and greens

About This Recipe


  • QUICK & EASY: Ready in just 15 minutes
  • MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOR: Perfect for italian or mediterranean cuisine.
  • GLUTEN-FREE: Naturally vegan and gluten-free makes it perfect for dietary needs.
  • NO COOKING REQUIRED: Simple recipe that requires no cooking for delicious flavor.
  • ENTERTAINING: Salad tastes gourmet and can be used for simple gatherings or elegant dinners.

What to Serve with White Bean & Artichoke Salad:

This White Bean & Artichoke Salad makes a wonderful main dish! The beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, while the artichokes and veggies add nutrients and freshness, making it hearty enough on its own. To make it feel even more like a meal, you can:

  • Serve it over a bed of greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine.
  • Pair with crusty bread, vegan sourdough, flat bread, or warm pita bread.
  • Serve with a bowl of soup
  • Top with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and extra protein and healthy fats.

This way, the salad becomes a balanced, satisfying entrée, and is still light yet filling.

How to Serve Salad as a Side Dish

To serve this salad, as a side dish, to a meal simply add a main entree dishes like these:

Salad Variations

This bean salad is delicious and flavorful on it’s own. However, this salad is very flexible, and you can add in other vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand. A few great options include:

Four photos of White Bean and Artichoke Salads with additional toppings of olives, tomatoes and vegetables.
  • Juicy tomatoes
  • Olives (black, green, or kalamata olives)
  • Basil for extra flavor in every bite
  • Greens – add or serve over lettuce, kale, spinach or arugula.
  • Roasted red peppers – add sweetness and a smoky note.
  • Zucchini or yellow squash – diced fresh or lightly grilled.
  • Carrots – shredded or thinly sliced for crunch.
  • Roasted or steamed broccoli or cauliflower – makes it heartier while keeping it wholesome.
  • Add a scoop of quinoa, farro, or couscous for extra substance and protein.

Just keep the balance of fresh, crunchy, and tender ingredients in mind so the flavors stay light and Mediterranean.

Illustration of a bowl of food

Recipe Notes:

  • Rinse the beans well – this removes excess starch and sodium, giving the salad a fresher taste.
  • Dry ingredients before mixing – drain beans well, and pat cucumbers dry so the salad doesn’t get watery.
  • Use marinated artichokes – they bring extra flavor; if using plain, season generously with herbs and salt.
  • Let it rest – For better immersed flavor let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes after tossing with the dressing so flavors meld together.
  • Brighten it up – add a little squeeze of lemon just before serving to refresh the flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Just cook dried white beans (like cannellini or great northern) until tender, then cool completely before adding to the salad. This adds a homemade touch and extra flavor.

Do marinated artichokes work best?

Marinated artichokes add more flavor, but plain canned artichokes work just as well. If using plain, consider adding an extra pinch of salt, garlic, or oregano to boost taste.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes. Replace the olive oil with extra lemon juice and a splash of aquafaba (bean liquid) for a lighter, oil-free dressing. Use artichoke hearts that have not been marinated or rinse well to remove oil. Use beans that are oil-free or cook your own.

Can this salad be served warm?

Yes, this salad can be served warm if you’d like a cozier version. Lightly heat the beans and artichoke hearts in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil before tossing them with the fresh veggies and dressing. The warmth brings out the beans’ creaminess and makes the artichokes more tender, while still keeping the salad bright and refreshing. It’s a great option for cooler days or when you want something a little more comforting.

A bowl white bean and artichoke salad
Illustration of a food storage container

PLANNING AHEAD TIPS

This salad is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead of time and let it chill, which actually helps the flavors blend even more.

This salad works wonderfully for meal prep. Portion into individual containers or jars for grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Pair each portion with different sides: one day with pita bread, another with quinoa, or alongside roasted veggies.

Add Greens Later: If including arugula, spinach, or other leafy greens, add them fresh when serving so they don’t wilt.

Do not freeze. Freezing changes textures and freshness of salad.

Tried this recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

White Bean and Artichoke Salad

This Vegan White Bean & Artichoke Salad is light, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Creamy cannellini beans, tender artichoke hearts, and crisp vegetables are tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Serve as a main dish, side for weeknight dinners, or a make-ahead option for picnics, potlucks and meal prep.
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 2 15 oz cans, cannellini beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 14 oz jar or can, artichoke hearts, drained and quartered (marinated or plain)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small, cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives (or black olives), pitted and halved (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • More Options: (serve over lettuce and greens, or adding tomato diced or 12 cherry tomatoes, halved to salad)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, artichoke hearts, onion, cucumber, parsley, (and tomato, olives and basil, if using).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  • Chill to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.

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