Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, nutrient-packed salad featuring tender broccoli rabe, creamy cannellini beans, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely diced red onion, lemon juice, olive oil 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 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 oz trimmed broccoli rabe and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine drained broccoli rabe, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed cannellini beans, and 1/2 cup finely diced red onion. Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon 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 finely diced red onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon 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 Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon 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.

Is Broccoli Rabe and White Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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