White Bean Salsa with creamy avocado, crisp corn, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh lemon, and sweet basil is a culinary delight you’re about to fall in love with! This vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy-to-make dip is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving it over grilled Pesto Chicken, alongside quinoa for a fulfilling vegetarian meal, or simply with a bag of your favorite tortilla chips.

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful dips, you might also enjoy other popular salsa recipes. Some perennial favorites include a sweet and tangy Mango Salsa, a classic and quick-to-prepare Homemade Salsa made effortlessly in a food processor, or a crisp and refreshing Corn Salsa. Each offers a unique burst of flavor, but this White Bean Salsa truly stands out with its satisfying texture and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

White Bean Salsa: A Refreshing and Healthy Mediterranean-Inspired Dip

At my home, the arrival of warmer weather instantly calls for light, fresh, and shareable dishes. Summertime staples often include vibrant creations like Garbanzo Bean Salad, the ever-popular Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad, and the hearty Cowboy Caviar. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a big bag of crispy tortilla chips, a generous bowl of one of these flavorful dips, and heading out to a local park for a simple, joyful picnic.

It was only a matter of time before we introduced a white bean variation to our collection of favorite dips. While White Bean Salsa might sound delightfully unique, its combination of textures and flavors makes it an instant classic. It’s incredibly vibrant, bursting with fresh ingredients, and perfectly encapsulates the essence of good summer eating. This salsa isn’t just a dip; it’s a celebration of fresh produce, offering a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile that will invigorate your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect White Bean Salsa

Crafting this irresistible White Bean Salsa requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and appealing textures that make this dip so special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These savory gems are a game-changer. Opt for pre-cut (julienne) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, especially those with herbs. Not only do they infuse the salsa with a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, but the herbs add an extra layer of complexity, eliminating the need for additional seasonings. Plus, using julienne-cut tomatoes saves you precious chopping time, making prep even quicker.
• White Beans: The heart of our salsa! Almost any variety of white beans will work beautifully, but my top recommendations are Great Northern or cannellini beans. These beans are known for their creamy texture when mashed slightly and their mild flavor, which allows the other ingredients to shine. Remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their taste.
• Fresh Lemon: This is non-negotiable for a truly vibrant salsa. The bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon juice cut through the richness of the avocado and beans, elevating all the flavors. Resist the urge to use bottled lemon juice, as its flavor simply doesn’t compare to the fresh squeezed variety.
• Avocado: For that signature creamy texture and healthy fat content, ripe avocado is essential. To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem. If it yields slightly to pressure without feeling mushy, it’s perfectly ready. A ripe avocado will be easier to dice and will meld seamlessly into the salsa.
• Fresh Basil: Offering a sweet and slightly savory aromatic profile, fresh basil provides a lovely herbal freshness that complements the tomatoes and lemon beautifully. For the best flavor, make sure your basil leaves are vibrant green and free of blemishes.
• Fresh Corn: The addition of sweet corn brings a wonderful crunch and a burst of natural sweetness. While canned or frozen corn can work in a pinch, grilled sweet corn truly makes this salsa exceptional. Grilling adds a smoky, charred dimension that enhances its natural sweetness, transforming the flavor profile entirely. You can achieve this using an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan.

How To Prepare Your Delicious White Bean Salsa (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making this White Bean Salsa is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The key is in the preparation of each ingredient to maximize flavor and texture. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Grill the Corn: Begin by grilling your fresh sweet corn. If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to 400-450°F. Remove the husks and silk from the corn, then lightly rub the ears with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the kernels are bright yellow and exhibit some beautiful, light char marks. This grilling step adds a fantastic smoky sweetness. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan works wonderfully. Once grilled, let the corn cool completely before carefully cutting the kernels off the cob.
2. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, bring together the stars of your salsa. Add the thoroughly drained and rinsed white beans, the cooled grilled corn kernels, your freshly diced creamy avocado, the savory julienned sun-dried tomatoes (including 2 teaspoons of the flavorful oil from the jar), the fragrant fresh basil, and the bright, freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Gently Stir and Serve: With all your ingredients in the bowl, gently stir everything together. You want to mix just enough to combine without mashing the avocado too much, preserving its creamy chunks. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – a little extra salt and pepper can really bring out the flavors. Serve your vibrant White Bean Salsa immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a base for a light grain bowl.

Creative Ways to Serve White Bean Salsa

The versatility of White Bean Salsa is one of its greatest assets. Beyond being a fantastic dip, it can elevate a variety of dishes, turning a simple meal into something truly special. Here are some of our favorite creative ways to enjoy this flavorful creation:

• With Good Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing! The crispness of high-quality tortilla chips provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy salsa, making every scoop a satisfying experience. Look for sturdy chips that can handle the chunky goodness.
• Over Pesto Couscous: For a delightful and satisfying meatless meal, try serving this salsa over a bed of flavorful pesto couscous. To prepare, cook 1 cup of small Moroccan couscous according to package directions, then season it generously with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of vibrant basil pesto. Spoon a generous amount of White Bean Salsa on top for a truly crave-able vegetarian dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.
• With Grilled Chicken: The fresh, zesty flavors of the salsa complement grilled chicken beautifully. Whether you’re using a simple lemon-herb marinade or my go-to chicken marinade, a dollop of White Bean Salsa adds brightness and moisture, transforming plain grilled chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Stuffed in an Avocado: This makes for an elegant and wholesome single-serving appetizer or light lunch. Carefully scoop out the flesh of a large ripe avocado, leaving a thick edge to create a natural bowl. Dice the removed avocado flesh and incorporate it into your White Bean Salsa mixture. Fill the hollowed-out avocado halves with the salsa and finish with an extra drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a touch of the sun-dried tomato oil for an added boost of flavor.
• As a Topping for Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Elevate your weeknight tacos or healthy burrito bowls with a generous spoon of White Bean Salsa. Its fresh ingredients add texture and a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with seasoned meats or plant-based fillings.
• In a Summer Salad: For a refreshing salad, combine greens, grilled vegetables, and a scoop of White Bean Salsa. It can act as both a vibrant topping and a light dressing, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Essential Tips for the Best White Bean Salsa Every Time

While this salsa is simple to make, a few key tips can ensure your White Bean Salsa is consistently perfect, fresh, and bursting with flavor:

• Add Avocado Right Before Serving: Avocados are notorious for oxidizing and turning brown when exposed to air. To keep your salsa looking vibrant and fresh, dice and add the avocado just before you’re ready to serve. If you need to prepare elements ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and only combine it into the salsa at the last minute.
• Season Generously and Taste as You Go: A little extra salt and pepper can truly enhance the flavors of all the fresh ingredients. Don’t be shy with your seasoning! For an added layer of brightness and zest, consider using lemon pepper in place of plain black pepper. Always taste your salsa before serving and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavors: While you can serve this salsa immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) before serving can help the flavors meld together beautifully. Just remember to add the avocado right before that final chill or serving.
• Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Since this salsa relies on fresh produce, the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference. Opt for ripe, firm avocados, fresh basil that’s bright green, and sweet corn when in season.

Explore More Wholesome White Bean Recipes

White beans are incredibly versatile, offering a creamy texture and nutritional benefits to a wide range of dishes. If you love the wholesome goodness of white beans in this salsa, you’ll be delighted to discover other ways to incorporate them into your cooking. Here are some fantastic recipes featuring white beans:

• Tuna-White Bean Salad: A protein-packed and satisfying salad perfect for a light lunch, served on toasted bread or bagels.
• White Bean and Kale Soup: A comforting and healthy soup, made even heartier with quinoa, ideal for chilly evenings.
• Sausage & White Bean Gnocchi: A delicious and convenient one-skillet meal that combines savory sausage with tender gnocchi and creamy white beans.
• Pesto Vegetable Bowls: A customizable and vibrant dish featuring roasted vegetables and white beans, all tossed in a fragrant pesto.
• Crockpot White Chicken Chili: A slow-cooker favorite, this chili offers a lighter take on a classic, with tender chicken, white beans, and a hint of corn.

White Bean Salsa Recipe Card

White Bean Salsa

By Chelsea Lords

This White Bean Salsa with creamy avocado, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and basil is a delightful and healthy obsession! It’s perfect with grilled chicken, quinoa, or tortilla chips for a fresh, vegetarian bite!

Equipment

• Grill or stovetop grill pan (see note 1)

Ingredients

• 2 ears fresh sweet corn (see note 1 for alternatives)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large lemon (for 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice)
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini beans recommended)
• 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (use 2 teaspoons oil from the jar, see note 2)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned
• Optional: pesto couscous or tortilla chips (see serving options below)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 450°F. Shuck the corn and remove all silk. Drizzle the corn with a little olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper, rubbing it into all sides. Place corn on the heated and oiled grill over direct heat. Grill for approximately 10–12 minutes, rotating every 3–4 minutes until the corn is bright in color and lightly charred. Allow the grilled corn to cool completely before cutting the kernels off the cob. Ensure it is fully cool before adding to the salsa.
2. Juice the lemon to obtain 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice with the drained and rinsed white beans, the prepared and cooled corn kernels, diced avocado, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar, chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste. (A good starting point is 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, but adjust to your preference.) Gently stir all ingredients together until well combined. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
3. Serving Options:
   • With tortilla chips: The perfect classic method for scooping up every delicious bite!
   • Over pesto couscous: Cook 1 cup of small couscous according to package directions. Season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup basil pesto. Generously spoon the White Bean Salsa on top for a flavorful vegetarian meal!
   • Alongside grilled chicken: This salsa pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, especially chicken prepared with a good marinade.
   • Inside an avocado: For an elegant presentation, scoop out the flesh of a large avocado, dicing the removed avocado for the salsa. Fill the hollowed-out avocado halves with the White Bean Salsa. Drizzle with extra lemon juice and a touch of sun-dried tomato oil for enhanced flavor.

Recipe Notes

1. Corn Preparation: Step 1 describes how to grill corn on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan, requiring additional oil, salt, and pepper. If fresh corn on the cob is unavailable, consider these alternatives:
   • Pre-roasted canned corn: Look for it near regular canned corn in the grocery store. Use one can, well-drained.
   • Regular canned corn: Drain well and roast in a pan on the stovetop for a few minutes to add some depth of flavor.
   • Frozen corn: Char it in a pan until thawed and lightly roasted for a similar effect to grilled corn.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This recipe specifically calls for sun-dried julienne-cut tomatoes with herbs. The herbs infused in the oil and tomatoes contribute significant flavor, reducing the need for many additional seasonings, and the julienne cut saves on preparation time.
3. Storage: Store any leftover White Bean Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best appearance and prevent browning, it is highly recommended to add the avocado just before serving. If making ahead, store avocado separately and combine right before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Bean Salsa

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying White Bean Salsa:

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

  Yes, absolutely! While grilled fresh corn offers the best flavor, frozen corn is a convenient alternative. Simply thaw the frozen corn and then char it in a hot pan on the stovetop for a few minutes to add a similar smoky depth and enhance its sweetness. Ensure it cools completely before mixing into the salsa.

• What other types of white beans can I use?

  Cannellini beans and Great Northern beans are highly recommended for their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, navy beans or even chickpeas (garbanzo beans) can also be used. The key is to choose a bean that holds its shape well but also mashes slightly to contribute to the salsa’s creamy consistency.

• How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

  The best way to prevent avocado from browning is to add it to the salsa just before serving. The lemon juice in the salsa also helps to slow down oxidation. If you have leftovers, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa (ensuring no air pockets) can help minimize browning for short-term storage.

• Is this salsa spicy? Can I add heat?

  This original recipe is not spicy, focusing on fresh, savory, and tangy flavors. If you enjoy a kick, you can certainly add heat! Finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers (with seeds removed for less heat) would be excellent additions. A pinch of red pepper flakes could also work, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

• Can I make White Bean Salsa ahead of time?

  You can prepare most of the salsa ingredients (beans, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, seasonings) a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. However, it is crucial to dice and add the avocado *just before* you plan to serve to ensure it remains fresh and doesn’t brown. This will keep your salsa looking and tasting its best.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Fresh Flavor

This White Bean Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer in every bite. With its perfect balance of creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil, it offers a truly unique and satisfying culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer to impress your guests, a versatile side dish to complement your meals, or a light vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this salsa delivers. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with wholesome ingredients, and adaptable to many serving styles. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to make this White Bean Salsa your new favorite go-to dish. Enjoy the fresh, healthy, and utterly delicious creation!