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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
