Can I use canned beans instead?

Yes — about 4 cups, rinsed; skip to the dressing step. The from-dry version has the better texture.

Why simmer the beans with sage?

The Tuscan way — sage infuses the beans as they cook, then gets discarded.

Is this a main or a side?

A light main for 4-6 — it's a classic Italian lunch with bread.

Which Unico tuna works best here?

Unico Solid Light Tuna in oil — drain it well and let the lemon and olive oil dress the beans.

How long does it keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated; bring to room temperature and refresh with lemon before serving.

Bean and Tuna Salad

Name: Bean and Tuna Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 450 g dry white kidney beans (cannellini, soaked overnight (1 lb)); 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp for simmering, rest to dress); 198 g tuna (canned, packed in oil (7 oz)); 1 lemon (juiced); black pepper (freshly ground, generous); 1/2 onion (thinly sliced); salt (to taste)

The Tuscan classic of sage-simmered cannellini beans dressed in olive oil and topped with lemon-peppered tuna and sliced onion.

Yield Serves 6

Total Time overnight + 2 hours

Main Ingredients Tuna

Category Vegetables & Salads

Prep: 15 minutes (plus overnight soak) · Cook: 1.5 hours

View Products Used Explore More Vegetables & Salads

What Is Bean and Tuna Salad?

Tuscany's tonno e fagioli: dry cannellini beans simmered with sage until creamy, cooled, dressed generously in olive oil, and topped with lemon-and-pepper tuna and thin onion.

Why Make Bean and Tuna Salad?

The genuine from-dry-beans version
Sage in the simmer perfumes every bean
A complete protein-rich meal salad
Served at room temperature — ideal make-ahead
Three Unico pantry products, one classic

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Bean and Tuna Salad — Shopping List (6 servings)

Ingredients

450 g dry white kidney beans (cannellini, soaked overnight (1 lb))
1/2 cup fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp for simmering, rest to dress)
198 g tuna (canned, packed in oil (7 oz))
1 lemon (juiced)
black pepper (freshly ground, generous)
1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
salt (to taste)

Adjust servings 6

Instructions

Soak the beans overnight in water to cover; drain.
Cover with fresh cold water and bring to a simmer with the sage and a tablespoon of the oil; simmer until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Drain any remaining water and discard the sage; let the beans cool.
Lightly break up the tuna with a fork and toss with the lemon juice and plenty of pepper.
Place the beans in a salad bowl with the onion, dress with the remaining oil and toss; season with salt and pepper.
Scatter the tuna on top and serve.

Cooking Tips

Soak the beans a full night for even cooking
Keep the simmer gentle so the beans stay whole
Dress the beans while slightly warm — they drink the oil
Be generous with the black pepper on the tuna
Let it sit 15 minutes before serving

Frequently Asked Questions About Bean and Tuna Salad

1. Can I use canned beans instead?

Yes — about 4 cups, rinsed; skip to the dressing step. The from-dry version has the better texture.
2. Why simmer the beans with sage?

The Tuscan way — sage infuses the beans as they cook, then gets discarded.
3. Is this a main or a side?

A light main for 4-6 — it's a classic Italian lunch with bread.
4. Which Unico tuna works best here?

Unico Solid Light Tuna in oil — drain it well and let the lemon and olive oil dress the beans.
5. How long does it keep?

Up to 3 days refrigerated; bring to room temperature and refresh with lemon before serving.

Cooking Guides & Tips

Canned Tuna Guide: Solid vs Flaked, in Oil vs in Water The difference between solid and flaked tuna, in oil vs in water, and how to pick the right can for salads, pasta and sandwiches.
How to Stock an Italian Pantry on a Budget A smart shopping list for building an Italian pantry without overspending — what to buy first and how each item earns its place.
Inside the Unico Pantry: 12 Italian Essentials to Always Have The twelve Italian pantry staples worth keeping on hand — and how the Unico, Gallo and Safflo range covers each one.