Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad

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

A refreshing salad where onions are cooked just to golden crispness, paired with creamy white beans and a lemony vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs chopped yellow onion, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp at the edges but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a bowl, then add 1 (15 oz) can drained cannellini beans, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Toss gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss until evenly coated and the beans are well-misted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad?

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 chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad?

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 Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Crisp Herb Onion & White Bean Salad?

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.

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