15 White Bean Recipes Too Good To Pass Up
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White beans are delicious and make almost any meal better. They have so much good-for-you nutrition and blend well with so many different ingredients that it’s almost silly not to include them in day-to-day cooking. Use them to make anything from dips to soups, sauces, or salads. If blended, they add creaminess to a dish like soup. If unblinded, they add nutrition and wonderful flavors in their whole state. These fifteen white bean recipes will help you get started eating more of these wonderful beans.
1. Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
This delicious, healthy spinach artichoke dip is great for gatherings of friends or family or simply for snacks for yourself. It’s made mostly of beans, including cannellini beans, so the base is more nutrition-packed. It’s healthy snacking you won’t feel guilty about.
2. 4 Bean Chili
Whether you’re looking for Meatless Monday inspiration or a hearty meal, this 4 bean chili is for you. It’s healthy and filling, satisfying your tummy, so you won’t miss the meat used in most chili recipes. You can add rice or quinoa for extra bulk or enjoy this as a starter course for a larger meal.
3. White Bean Soup
A comforting Italian soup made with cannellini beans, vegetables, garlic, herbs, and optional bacon. This white bean soup is a perfect light meal or side dish, and since beans are inexpensive, it’s a healthy and budget-friendly meal as well. It packs up well in a Thermos for lunches, too. Just don’t forget the garlic bread.
4. Tuscan Pasta Salad
Tuscan pasta salad is a quick and easy summer pasta salad. Adding veggies, beans, and optional cheese makes a tasty pasta dish or side. This dish offers the Tuscan flavors you love and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Serve this with a side salad and some crunchy garlic bread to round out the meal.
5. Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
This is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe for slow cooker cowboy beans, which can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish to other courses. It uses a can of cannellini beans as well as other types of beans for a nutritious meal that is perfect over baked potatoes or with some crunchy garlic bread.
6. White Bean Hummus
This white bean hummus is a delicious rendition of the beloved, classic dip. Instead of using traditional chickpeas, make hummus with cannellini beans and navy beans. There is a slight flavor difference that everyone will love, and it can be served with the same things you would normally serve regular hummus with. Pita chips, anyone?
7. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This slow cooker white chicken chili recipe is perfect for dinner any night of the week. It’s perfect on a cooler night when you want a bowl of something warm and comforting. This recipe fits the bill and won’t disappoint in the nutrition department. Plus, it’s light enough to enjoy on a warmer night but can be turned into a full meal with suggested additions.
8. White Bean Alfredo
If you’re a fan of Alfredo sauce, you should try this white bean Alfredo recipe. It’s wonderfully creamy and dairy-free. Since it’s made with a can of cannellini beans, it’s also nutritious. It has all the flavor and creamy texture of regular Alfredo sauce, but it’s far healthier for you. Use it for pasta sauce or even for dipping things like pizza into as you eat. It’s a great multipurpose sauce.
9. Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup
Try this leftover hearty ham and cannellini bean soup for a comforting, flavor-packed meal. It’s a great recipe that’s perfect for using extra cans of cannellini beans or leftover ham. Pair this with a side salad and some crunchy garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to round out the meal.
10. Mediterranean Bean Salad
This Mediterranean bean salad is made with simple and fresh ingredients, but you can toss in a can of cannellini beans for added nutrition. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for BBQ night. You can even toss this with pasta, quinoa, or other salad grains to make the meal even more robust.
11. Italian Tuna White Bean Salad
Italian tuna white bean salad is a delicious and hearty meal you can enjoy on its own or mixed with rice or any grain you prefer. The tuna will fill you up, and the fiber from the beans will keep you full for hours. It’s a satisfying meal the entire family can enjoy.
12. Escarole And Beans
If you enjoy brothy soups and stew, this escarole and beans should be at the top of your to-make list. Serve it with some crunchy garlic bread on the side for a main meal, or serve it as a first course for a larger meal. Either way, it’s a delicious way to get some truly great nutrition into your day.
13. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
If you love Mediterranean flavors, you simply must try this Mediterranean quinoa salad. With plenty of fresh herbs, beans, and vegetables, this recipe is both filling and satisfying. It packs up easily for lunch on the go and can also be used as a side dish to other things for dinner. Either way, you’ll adore the fresh flavors in this salad.
14. Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe
A good dip is an essential component of a happy life. This roasted red pepper dip makes a delicious snack and is great for dipping anything from raw veggie sticks to pita chips. Pack it in smaller containers to take it with you on the go, or serve it in a nice, big bowl to share with friends and family.
15. White Bean And Kale Quesadillas
If you need a quick and nutritious meal, this white bean and kale quesadilla is a fantastic option. The kale and beans give you amazing nutrition while also packing in the flavor. You won’t be left hunger after eating this, but you can certainly round out the meal with a bowl of soup or a green salad.
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