If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and totally satisfying—this Tuscan Salad has your name on it. Bold Mediterranean flavors shine in every bite, thanks to crisp zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, hearty white beans, sharp red onion, and Castelvetrano olives. A simple, homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together. The result? A crave-worthy salad that works beautifully as a side—or just as easily as a full-on meal.
It’s hearty. It’s wholesome. And it tastes like summer in Italy.
If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Pesto Spinach Salad.
Why You’ll Love It
- Packed with nourishing, whole-food ingredients
- Customizable with grilled chicken or tuna for extra protein
- Ready in 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- No ultra-processed dressings here—just clean, classic flavor
Tuscan Ingredients
This whole-food recipe keeps it simple and delicious. Just a handful of real ingredients come together to make something seriously crave-worthy. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cannellini Beans– Creamy and packed with protein, these Italian white beans have a nutty, earthy flavor. If you don’t have any Cannellini beans, then sub garbanzo or navy beans.
Zucchini– Rich in antioxidants with a nice snappy texture. See recipe card notes for tips on cutting out the seeds. If you aren’t a fan, sub cucumber.
Cherry Tomatoes– A good source for Vitamins A & C, and loaded in fiber.
Red Onion– While crisp, crunchy, and tangy, onions are also great with immunity support.
Castelvetrano Olives (or cheese)- Keep this salad dairy free by using olives. Not an olive fan, then sub in Mozzarella or Parmesan.
Fresh Herbs– Basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, anything goes.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
The easy balsamic vinaigrette is tangy and delicious with these Tuscan ingredients:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Salt & pepper
If your budget allows, then purchase a good quality balsamic vinegar. The longer it’s aged, the sweeter it gets.
How to Make Tuscan Salad
This salad comes together in a jiffy.
- Firstly, grab a large bowl and whisking together the dressing ingredients.
- Secondly, chop salad ingredients and dump in bowl with dressing.
- Lastly, stir and enjoy!
Switch It Up
This salad is so versatile!
- Make it a Tuscan Chicken Salad by adding in leftover grilled chicken.
- Swap zucchini for cucumbers.
- Add in bowtie pasta and make is a Tuscan Pasta Salad.
- Not an olive fan, swap them out for mozzarella pearls or parmesan.
- Another way to get more protein, add in tuna for a Tuscan Tuna Salad.
Storage
For the best flavor, make this Tuscan salad fresh. You can prep the dressing ahead of time—it stays good in the refrigerator for up to a week. Mix the salad together, then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
This salad is proof that whole foods can be both simple and bursting with flavor—no preservatives, no hidden sugars, just real ingredients.
What to Serve With
Turn this salad into a main course with just a few simple additions. It’s great with any leftover protein: chicken, tuna, or pork. Or have it as a protein packed snack.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick lunch, this Tuscan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette brings freshness and flavor to the table with minimal effort. It’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated—just real ingredients, simple prep, and delicious results. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
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Tuscan Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 15oz can Cannellini Beans or navy or garbanzo drained and rinsed
- 2 cups Zucchini chopped
- 1.5 cups Grape Tomatoes quartered
- 1/2 cup Red Onion sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano Olives chopped
- 2 tbsp Thyme or Basil, Oregano, or 1 tbsp Rosemary, minced
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 Lemon juiced
- 1/2 clove Garlic microplaned or minced
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Balsamic Vinaigrette ingredients.
- Add beans, chopped veggies, herbs, and olives.
- Stir together and enjoy!