This Tuscan Tuna Bean Salad is a refreshing, satisfying salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days!
In a few months we’ll all be complaining about colder weather, I get it. But WOW, this heat has been so unbearable lately! I’m actually dreaming of sweater weather!
I know, I know. I never thought those words would come from this beach girl’s mouth, but Mother Nature has been relentless this summer.
How’s it been by you? Staying cool, or are you melting too??
I don’t know about you guys, but when it’s over the top HOT, sitting down to a big meal just isn’t in the cards for me.
Even going out to the porch to stoke up the grill is NOT going to happen.
I’m all about fresh, cool, hearty salads lately.
Today’s Tuscan Tuna Bean Salad is loaded will a handful of healthy ingredients and tossed in a light dressing. Incredibly simple. It’s just what I’m looking for on a hot summer day.
No need to worry about breaking a sweat while whipping this one up folks. Not gonna happen.
This salad is packed with chickpeas, navy beans, barley, roasted red pepper, a combo of green and Kalamata olives, fresh basil and sun dried tomatoes. Then it’s topped with a generous helping of white albacore tuna to make it more of a meal.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Tuscan Tuna Bean Salad Recipe:
I don’t love my salad swimming in dressing. You can double the dressing ingredients just in case you prefer more. If you don’t use it for this salad, it can be used to dress any side salad.
I used White Albacore tuna, but feel free to substitute your favorite tuna.
Round out the meal with a glass of wine and a piece of crusty bread and your day is done! Enjoy!
If you’re looking for other summer salads that feed like a meal, try my Salmon Niçoise Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, my Cobb Salad, or my Curried Couscous with Apples and Fennel.
This Tuscan Tuna Bean Salad is a refreshing, satisfying salad that's perfect for those hot summer days!
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. basil pesto
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz. can navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red pepper, drained and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, mix of pitted green and Kalamata, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, not packed in oil, julienned
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, julienned
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin
- 2 5 oz. cans white Albacore tuna, in water, drained and flaked
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Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together until well blended. (Double if you prefer more dressing.) Set aside.
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Bring three cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add one cup pearl barley, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until barley is tender. Drain. Rinse with cold water.
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In a large bowl, combine cooled barley, both beans, roasted red peppers, olives, sun dried tomatoes, basil leaves and green onions. Toss well with dressing. Add flaked tuna. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra dressing if desired.
Too hot over here too ….this salad is something I truly look forward to make :-) Thank you !
Hope you enjoy it! Happy Monday!
The weather has been weird here! Some days it’s a little chilly in the morning and at night, but during the day (every day), it is a scorcher! SO HOT! I try not to complain though, because I know once winter comes it tends to last entirely too long. *sigh* Anyways, I absolutely LOVE tuna, and this salad is screaming my name! All the textures and flavors sound fabulous, Mare! I could definitely eat this on repeat! Pinning! Cheers!
It’s been terribly hot here Chey! I’m melting……
The weather has been hot, but it has broken a little so I’m thinking we’re past our hot weather for the year. While I’m still holding onto summer, I do love the fall (my favourite season). This salad is definitely something hubby and I would love! Right up my alley! Love how easy and quick it is to put together too – perfect for weekday lunches :) Have a wonderful week, my friend! XOXO
It really is the easiest salad Dawn. And so hearty. I’ve been living on salads like this one all summer! Happy Monday!
It’s been hot here too. . .but the unrelenting heat in summer is part of Phoenix’s charm :). I’m all about lighter meals in the summer so this recipe’s a keeper for sure!
Lol! Hope you give it a go Kelsie. Have a great week!
Love this salad! So perfect for these warm summer nights. And bring on sweater weather!!
It’s been brutal here Matt! Salads every night! And YES to sweater weather!
This is making me hungry! Looks delish!
Thanks Sarah! It’s so satisfying!
Yep – we’re melting here too! This salad will surely do the trick of distracting us from the heat! I love everything about this! It’s very similar to a meal I had in Rome many years ago! Love it, Mary Ann!
Thanks Annie! Try to stay cool!
Love this salad Mare! My husband hates tuna, so this one’s all mine!!!!
Then I hope you enjoy solo Debs!
Augh.. the heat.. and we’re not even 1/2 way through August. We were hot for about two weeks last month, but it’s cooled for now. Upper 70s for the high (what can I say?). I DO love Fall so much tho and am looking forward to sweater weather too! I’m loving all the briny flavors in this tuscan salad… I can imagine this would be perfect for picnicing or alfresco (when it’s cooler) dining! Beautiful work!
*picnicking :o
I know! Today it’s supposed to get close to 100 here! I’ll be sticking to salads like this one for days Traci! And of course, your chickpea salad!
I am definitely ready for fall, but in the meantime salads like this are giving me life!
Me too Leigh Ann!
Last week was a hot one for us, but it has cooled off nicely now. Totally has me looking forward to fall! Love adding canned tuna to salads, and all the beans in this one ensures it’s a feeling meal!
This one is definitely hearty Leanne! I love it!
It has been very hot here in Ontario as well! Trying to soak it up while it lasts, because it will not last here :) Love this tuna salad and all the beans make it so hearty, too!
Thanks Jennifer! Enjoy the summer weather while you have it!
This is my kind of recipe! Would be perfect for a potluck I’m headed to this weekend! I love recipes with beans and grains, and the dressing sounds perfect! Thanks!
It’s such a hearty little salad Laura! Hope you enjoy it!
The temperature tipped over 100 today, so I’m dreaming of this beautiful salad for dinner tonight! So many wonderful flavors and textures on a gorgeous platter – so lovely, Mary Ann!
Perfect cool salad for a hot night Marissa!
Tuscan flavors are the best! I cannot wait to try this!
I love them too Kevin! Hope you enjoy!
I grew up eating (and still eat) something very similar!! Soo tasty.
It’s one of those salads that’s so packed with satisfying ingredients Natasha! Helps me from snacking in between meals!
I love, love dishes like this, especially with the tuna, chickpeas and barley. I’d make this just for me and have a few days worth of lunch!
Thanks Karen! Hope you give it a try!