Easy White Bean with Cranberries

If you’re looking for something festive, quick, and delicious to share this season, this Easy White Bean with Cranberries recipe is perfect. It’s creamy, tangy, and a little sweet, with the perfect balance of savory herbs and bright cranberry flavor. It fits beautifully among your Holiday Appetizers Easy list and shines as one of the Best Christmas Appetizers to impress your guests. The creamy beans paired with tart cranberries make it both comforting and refreshing, ideal for cozy gatherings or a Christmas Potluck.

If you’re planning your Christmas Appetizers Party spread, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy dips, warm bread, or even Christmas Cranberry Meatballs. The vibrant colors also add a festive touch to your table, making it a standout among Christmas Recipes Appetizers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned white beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained white beans and dried cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Pour the dressing over the beans and cranberries, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then fold in chopped parsley and optional nuts for added texture.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature on a small platter or in a shallow bowl. Garnish with extra parsley and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Looking for Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers? This recipe fits perfectly! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed to refresh the texture.

It’s also perfect for a Christmas Potluck because it travels well and doesn’t require reheating. The beans absorb flavor as they rest, making the salad even more delicious the next day.

Serving Ideas

• Serve as a simple cranberries Appetizer on small crostini or crackers.
• Pair it with soft goat cheese or brie for a creamy and tart combination.
• Add a handful of arugula to turn it into a mini salad appetizer for your Holiday Appetizers Easy menu.

Easy White Bean with Cranberries

This Easy White Bean with Cranberries recipe is a festive, flavorful appetizer made with creamy white beans, sweet-tart cranberries, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s quick to make, naturally vegetarian, and ideal for make-ahead serving

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Base

• 2 cups canned white beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Dressing & Garnish

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans optional, for crunch

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained white beans and dried cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Pour the dressing over the beans and cranberries, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then fold in chopped parsley and optional nuts for added texture.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature on a small platter or in a shallow bowl. Garnish with extra parsley and fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

• This dish is best made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Serve as a salad or appetizer with crostini or pair with cheeses for a festive spread.
• For extra flavor, add goat cheese, arugula, or pomegranate seeds before serving.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use good-quality olive oil for a smooth, rich flavor.
• Balance the tartness of cranberries with honey or maple syrup according to your taste.
• Don’t skip the lemon zest; it brightens the dish and makes it taste fresh.
• For a festive twist, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Yes, but they are quite tart. To use fresh cranberries, cook them briefly in a little honey and water until they soften and slightly sweeten. Then cool and mix with the beans for a vibrant, tangy flavor that works great for Christmas Appetizers Easy.

How long does this dish last?

Stored in an airtight container, this salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, which makes it one of the easiest Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers for busy hosts.

What can I serve this with?

This pairs perfectly with roasted meats, cheese boards, or other Christmas Eve Appetizers like warm dips or savory pastries. Try serving it alongside a Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip for a fun mix of textures and flavors.

Conclusion

This Easy White Bean with Cranberries recipe brings a pop of color, texture, and festive flavor to your holiday table. It’s quick to prepare, full of fresh taste, and perfect for gatherings big or small. Whether it’s a Christmas Potluck or cozy evening with friends, this is one of those Christmas Appetizers Party dishes you’ll want to save for next year too.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share or pin it for later. It’s the kind of dish that fits beautifully into your holiday recipe collection and adds a cheerful touch to any menu. Simple, flavorful, and absolutely festive!