Can-Can: Canned Salmon and White Bean Salad

This Winter has definitely been a challenge, including when it comes to food—not only did the endlessly bitter-cold days curb my appetite, I sometimes couldn't get out to the store even if I had been hungry. Thankfully, I try to keep some high-protein canned goods in my pantry, and one day I was able to pull together this tangy, filling salad to tempt my stomach:

Salmon and White Bean Salad

Ingredients:
1 can (6 oz.) boneless, skinless salmon, drained and flaked
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, gently toss salmon and beans together with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard and tarragon; close tightly and shake until emulsified. Pour over salad and mix to combine—taste for seasoning and adjust if desired. Serve with veggie sticks, crackers, chips, or over baby greens. This will be great alongside a juicy, ripe tomato in the Summer!

Notes: Cannellini beans are my favorite, but use whatever beans you enjoy most. You can also substitute your favorite vinegar for the champagne vinegar, your favorite herb for the tarragon, and certainly canned tuna for the salmon. I wasn't fussy about measuring the ingredients for the dressing, so just go by eye—you can always add more of something if needed afterwards. Please do add some finely chopped onion/scallions, celery, or bell pepper for more flavor and crunch (I just didn't have any in the house that day).

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