Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A striking contrast of black sesame seeds and creamy white beans is balanced by a zesty citrus dressing, making this salad both visually and flavorfully captivating. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs black sesame seeds, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained white beans (cannellini or great northern)
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 1/4 cup black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) rinsed white beans, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine.
- Step 3: Whisk 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified. Pour over bean mixture and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds on top and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black sesame seeds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Black Sesame and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
