Marry Me White Bean Salad

This Marry Me White Bean Salad takes a cue from the viral “Marry Me” food trend that’s so delicious, it will have you saying “I do” in no time. The famous Marry Me Chicken, a creamy, sun-dried tomato–laced dish, inspires this salad and gives those same flavors a fresh, plant-based twist. Protein- and fiber-packed white beans are tossed with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy, garlicky dressing. It’s a quick, no-fuss dish perfect for potlucks, picnics or pairing with grilled meat or fish—and yes, it might just win you a few hearts too. Ready to see for yourself? Keep reading for our expert tips, including how you can add your own unique twists below!

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Want to boost your veggie servings? Add some chopped arugula or spinach to the salad, or serve it over a bed of greens.
• Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes; stir constantly, as they can burn fast!
• We use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and use the oil to flavor the dressing. You can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, but you will need to soak them in hot water to soften them and use olive oil in place of the sun-dried-tomato oil.

Nutrition Notes

• White beans, like the cannellini beans used here, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. Eating enough protein and fiber can support a wide range of bodily functions, from muscle building to keeping things regular in your digestive system. White beans also contain electrolytes like potassium, which may lower blood pressure. 
• Strained (Greek-style) yogurt adds creaminess to this salad, but that’s not all. By opting for more Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, it reduces the calories and total fat while also increasing the protein content. Plus, you’ll get calcium from the yogurt to support strong bones. 
• Bell peppers are a surprisingly good source of vitamin C to promote a healthy immune system. The vegetable also contains nutrients like flavonoids and phenolic acids that may help prevent memory loss.