Seared Tuna & Creamy White Beans

This Seared Tuna & Creamy White Beans has blended lemony herb cannellini beans, an olive salad and is topped with slices of pepper crusted seared fresh tuna.

This Seared Tuna & Creamy White Beans is the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together with just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. A smooth blend of lemony herb cannellini beans creates a creamy, protein-packed base that’s bright, light, and perfect for summer.

It’s finished with slices of pepper-crusted seared tuna and a briny olive salad that adds freshness and texture to every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or an easy dinner, this dish is packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors while still feeling fresh and effortless.

If you like fresh tuna dishes like this one, you’ll love my Tuna Tacos with a Spicy Crema and my Seared Tuna & Jammy Egg Toasts.

• Summer

Seared Tuna & Creamy White Beans

This Seared Tuna & Creamy White Beans has blended lemony herb cannellini beans, an olive salad and is topped with slices of pepper crusted seared fresh tuna.

Print pin Share

Ingredients

Serves 4 people

1x2x3x

For the white bean dip:

• ▢ 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• ▢ 1 small garlic clove
• ▢ 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus more for serving
• ▢ 1 tsp lemon zest
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
• ▢ Flaky sea salt
• ▢ Cracked pepper

For the tuna:

• ▢ 1 lb fresh sushi-grade tuna
• ▢ 2 tbsp cracked black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 tsp sea salt
• ▢ 3 tbsp neutral oil 1 for coating fish, and 2 for cooking

For the olive mix:

• ▢ 1 cup castelvetrano olives
• ▢ 1 small shallot, diced
• ▢ 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ▢ 2 tbsp capers
• ▢ 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
• ▢ Flaky sea salt
• ▢ Cracked pepper
• ▢ Crispy bread for serving

Instructions 

• Make the white bean dip: Add the cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
• Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add an additional tablespoon of water if you'd like a looser consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as desired.
• Make the olive mix: Dice the shallot, slice the olives, chop the parsley. Combine all the olive mix ingredients to a bowl and add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix and season to taste.
• Season the tuna: Pat the tuna dry and season all sides with the salt. Press the cracked black pepper evenly over the exterior.
• Sear the tuna: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the tuna for about 30–45 seconds per side, including the edges, until a thin crust forms while the center remains rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes before slicing thinly. Make sure to not wait longer than 2 minutes as the tuna will continue to cook.
• Assemble: Spread white bean dip in an even layer into your shallow serving bowl. Top with olive mix, followed by slices of seared tuna. Drizzle some of the olive mix juices over top the plate. Serve with crispy bread.

Video