Creamy Avocado Basil White Bean Salad Bowl (Printable)
A vibrant bowl with creamy avocado, fragrant basil, hearty white beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a satisfying lunch.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Salad Components
01 - 1 can (15 oz) white beans, cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 large ripe avocado, diced
03 - 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
→ Creamy Basil Dressing
08 - 1/2 ripe avocado
09 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
10 - 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
11 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 small garlic clove
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine half avocado, Greek yogurt, basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Process until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
02 - Place drained white beans, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves in a large salad bowl.
03 - Pour the creamy basil dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while fresh.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy avocado basil dressing tastes like something from a restaurant but takes literally two minutes to make
- White beans make it substantial enough to keep you full for hours while still feeling light and fresh
02 -
- The dressing thickens as it sits because the avocado oxidizes. Thin it with a teaspoon of water if needed before serving.
- This salad does not store well once dressed. Keep the components separate and toss right before eating.
03 -
- Invest in an avocado that gives slightly to pressure but is not mushy for the salad portion
- If the dressing tastes too sharp, add a pinch of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity