White Bean, Tuna and Kale Salad

By Ali Slagle

Updated January 14, 2026

  • Andrew Bui for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Kaitlin Wayne.
Media 1 of 1
Ready In
15 min
Rating
5(218)
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Humble in parts yet rich in textures, this combination of flaky tuna, creamy beans, juicy raw onion and hearty kale makes a satisfying and quick lunch. Massaging the kale and onion with lemon juice and salt softens and seasons so that the kale remains toothsome but not tough, and the onion spicy but not prickly. The salad can be made up to two days ahead and is amenable to improvisation: Add cooked grains, thinly sliced tomatoes or cucumbers or leftover roasted vegetables. 

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 1 large bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-size pieces

  • ½ red or white onion, thinly sliced

  • Juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons)

  • Salt and black pepper

  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, drained and rinsed

  • 10 to 12 ounces canned tuna, preferably oil-packed, drained

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add the kale, onion and lemon juice to a large bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Squeeze with your hands until the mixture is shiny and softened. Add the beans, tuna and oil and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
218 user ratings
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Comments

Cara

This is terrific and quite simple-took me about 10 minutes total. The only thing I changed was draining the tuna, reserving the oil and then using that to dress the salad.

Cathie

Could I sub spinach for the kale? I’ve never had kale that I enjoyed but am fine with spinach.

x-ghost

I only had one can of tuna so used that and a can of sardines. Glad I did, it was delicious! Also added some feta.

Emily

Fantastic. Another bop from Ali. This is great with the white onion.

jingmun

Delicious. Used a shallot as I didn’t have red onion on hand, next time I make this I will double the kale.

Jeff A.

This is excellent, exactly as written.

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