Description
This Dense Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette is a fresh, nutritious, and protein-packed meal combining chickpeas, cannellini beans, colorful vegetables, cooked chicken, salami, and cheeses tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette. Perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead meals, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 10 oz grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 sweet bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, seeds scraped out and cubed
- ¼ red onion, chopped
- ½ lb cooked chicken (rotisserie or deli), cubed/chopped
- 2 oz uncured salami, sliced or cubed
- 4 oz mozzarella pearls
- 2 oz sharp white cheddar, cubed
- ½ bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing Options
- Sun-dried tomato vinaigrette OR
- White balsamic vinaigrette OR
- Parmesan vinaigrette
Seasonings (optional)
- Pinches of salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Blend your dressing of choice—sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is pictured here, but white balsamic or Parmesan vinaigrette also work wonderfully. Set aside once blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained chickpeas and cannellini beans, quartered tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, cubed cucumber, chopped red onion, cubed cooked chicken, sliced salami, mozzarella pearls, cubed cheddar, and finely chopped parsley.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour in about three-quarters of the prepared dressing and toss the salad gently yet thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the salad and season with pinches of salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes as desired. Serve with an extra drizzle of your chosen dressing and garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy this dense, flavorful salad straight from the fridge for a quick nutritious meal.
Notes
- Beans provide a nutrition powerhouse paired with a rainbow of veggies and quality proteins.
- Use whichever vinaigrette you prefer—each provides a unique flavor twist that complements the hearty ingredients.
- This salad is perfect for meal prepping as it holds well refrigerated without losing freshness.
- Customize seasonings to taste for mild or spicy versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 512
- Sugar: 13.9 g
- Sodium: 1611.5 mg
- Fat: 21.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.3 g
- Fiber: 10.9 g
- Protein: 37.2 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg
