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Tuna and white beans are one of my go-to no-cook lunch options. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly versatile, which makes them especially welcome on warm days when turning on the stove feels like too much.
This WW-friendly tuna and white bean salad is simple but satisfying, made with pantry staples and a bright, flavorful dressing. It’s the kind of recipe you can pull together in minutes and easily adapt based on what you have on hand.
If you like keeping homemade cooked beans on hand for easy meals, my easy Slow Cooker White Beans are a great base for salads like this one.

Why I Love this Tuna and White Bean Salad
- It’s a true no-cook recipe, perfect for hot weather.
- It comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
- Tuna and white beans make it filling without being heavy.
- It’s easy to customize based on what’s in the pantry and fridge.
- It works well for lunch, dinner, or light entertaining.
- It fits easily into a WW-friendly way of eating.
- It tastes even better after the flavors have had a little time to mingle.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- Red Wine Vinegar or Fresh Lemon Juice – Either option adds brightness and balances the richness of the beans and tuna. Use what you have.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A small amount adds flavor and brings the dressing together. Use a good-quality olive oil if possible. – Dijon Mustard (Optional)
- Adds a little depth and helps emulsify the dressing. You can leave it out if you prefer a simpler vinaigrette.
- Canned Water-Packed Light Tuna – Light or white tuna works well here and keeps the salad WW-friendly. Be sure to drain it well.
- Canned Cannellini Beans – are creamy and mild, making them a perfect match for tuna. Great northern beans also work well. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Celery – Adds crunch and freshness. Skip it if you are not a fan.
- Red Onion – Provides a little bite. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the chopped onion briefly in cold water, then drain. You could also substitute green onion if you prefer.
- Red Bell Pepper – Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley – brightens the whole salad. Other fresh herbs like basil or dill can also work.
- Dried Rosemary (Optional) – A small amount adds an herby note. You can also skip it or use another dried herb you enjoy.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste.
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Tuna and White Bean Salad?
According to my calculations, each serving has about:
- Calories: 180
- WW Points: 1
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) - Old WW Points: 4 PointsPlus
How to Make Tuna and White Bean Salad
- In a small bowl (affiliate link) whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, and mustard, if using and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, beans, celery, onion, pepper, parsley and rosemary if using. Add the dressing and gently toss to coat.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss gently again.
Recipe Notes
This is one of those recipes that turns out a little differently each time, depending on what’s in the pantry and fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Other tasty additions include capers, chopped tomatoes, green onions, or olives.
You can enjoy this tuna and white bean salad just as it is, on a bed of greens, stuffed into an avocado half or tomato, or spooned onto bruschetta. It also makes a lovely light lunch or dinner served with sliced tomatoes, crusty bread, and a glass of chilled white wine.
If you’ve made this White Bean Tuna Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

WW Friendly Tuna and White Bean Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) water packed light tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 can (15-1/2 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, if using
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl (affiliate link) whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, and mustard, if using and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, beans, celery, onion, pepper, parsley and rosemary if using. Add the dressing and gently toss to coat.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss gently again.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 4 PointsPlus (Old plan) Other tasty additions include capers, chopped tomatoes, green onions, or olives. You can enjoy this tuna and white bean salad just as it is, on a bed of greens, stuffed into an avocado half or tomato, or spooned onto bruschetta. It also makes a lovely light lunch or dinner served with sliced tomatoes, crusty bread, and a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Sources: the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook (affiliate link) and 5 Easy Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness (affiliate link) by Camilla Saulsbury.
More Easy Weight Watchers Tuna Recipes
If you liked this easy tuna and white bean salad you might also like:
- Crunchy Tuna Salad is a classic tuna salad with added texture and crunch of shredded cabbage.
- This Tuna Cheddar Chowder is a simple comforting, lightened-up chowder that’s aas tasty as it is satisfying.
- Simple Mediterranean Pasta with Tuna & Tomatoes is an easy weeknight favorite.
- A lighter take on a classic, this Slow Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole is made in the crockpot.
- This fresh Tuna Nicoise Salad for Two is a simple way to experience the flavors of France.
- English Muffin Tuna Melts for Two is a lighter open-face take on one of my favorite comfort foods.
- This Summer Tuna and White Bean Salad for Two is smaller-batch version of one of my go-to summer lunches.
- Cambell’s Tuna Noodle Casserole Made Lighter is a nostalgic favorite with a lighter twist.





Thank you for this recipe. Adding white beans is a great easy way to make a much more substantial and filling salad. Love it!
This was good and suprisingly impressed with the cannoeli beans but dressing with a little bitter. I added a small handful of honey sliced almonds. Also served on a bowl of fresh spinach! ?
what makes the above 1 freestyle point
I often do tuna, salad ingredients and chickpeas – cannellini would be such a nice change. Also love your idea to serve the salad in an avocado or tomato half, that sounds delicous. Thanks for sharing!
White beans and tuna are one of my favorite go-to dishes. Yours looks great!
I agree. I printed it out immediately. Love the celery, onion, and red bell pepper additions (I’m using scallions).
THANKS! ?