Tuna, Beans and Onion

The dish “Tuna, Beans, and Onion” is a classic Italian salad, a simple and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed both as an appetizer and as a main course for a light lunch. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 200 g canned cannellini beans (already cooked) (if using canned ones, drain and rinse them)
• 160 g tuna in oil (drained from its oil)
• 1 medium red onion (or less, depending on taste)
• Fresh chopped parsley (to taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon juice or vinegar (to taste)

Preparation

1. If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight and then cook them in lightly salted water following the cooking times indicated on the package. If using canned beans, as mentioned, drain and rinse them well under running water.
2. Drain the tuna from its preserving oil and roughly flake it with a fork.
3. Peel the red onion and slice it thinly or cut it into pieces, depending on your preference.
4. In a large bowl, combine the beans, tuna, and onion.
5. Add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to the mixture.
6. Dress with extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of vinegar to add a touch of acidity.
7. Mix all the ingredients well to blend the flavors.
8. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about half an hour before serving, so the ingredients can absorb more flavor.

Trivia

This dish is extremely versatile. If you want to make it even tastier, you can add other ingredients such as capers, Taggiasca olives, or even a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic note. Some variations also include the addition of fresh diced tomatoes. Buon appetito!