This dense bean salad is filled with beans, salami, crunchy veggies, and feta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and stuffed with protein and fiber. A salad that truly satisfies and is ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
I lastly tried the viral dense bean salad from Violet Witchel that’s been all around the web and the hype is actual.
The primary time I made it was this summer time at a seashore home within the Outer Banks. It immediately grew to become a household favourite and was excellent for meal prep to pair with grilled rooster or grilled salmon. I additionally served it for the Fourth of July and it turned out to be the final word cookout facet dish for a crowd.
The unique recipe doesn’t embrace feta or salami, however I began including each for additional taste and protein and now I can’t think about this salad with out them.
Why I Love This Salad
After making it on repeat, right here’s why it has a everlasting spot in our rotation:
- Crowd-pleaser: All the time successful at gatherings, and the bowl is assured to be scraped clear.
- Journey-friendly: Packs up simply for picnics, potlucks, or street journeys and stays contemporary.
- Meal prep pleasant: The beans and crunchy veggies maintain up for days, and the flavors get even higher because the salad marinates within the dressing.
- Massive batch: Makes lots to share with buddies or household.
- Versatile: Scrumptious alongside grilled rooster, salmon, burgers, or perhaps a veggie burger.
Components Wanted
You solely want a handful of contemporary, easy substances for this dense bean salad. Most are pantry staples or easy-to-find produce, so you’ll be able to whip it up anytime.
- cucumbers: I like utilizing Persian cucumbers as a result of they’re additional crisp, have skinny pores and skin (no peeling wanted), and fewer seeds, which implies much less water within the salad. Their gentle, barely candy taste pairs completely with the beans.
- pink onion: Provides a pop of sharp taste and delightful coloration.
- bell peppers: I take advantage of a mixture of colours for additional crunch and pure sweetness.
- contemporary parsley: Shiny, contemporary, and the right natural stability for the beans.
- beans: I used chickpeas and navy beans, however be happy to combine and match your favorites.
- feta cheese: It’s creamy, salty, and ties all of the flavors collectively.
- salami: I really like Applegate Farms Genoa salami, however use your favourite model. A nitrate-free or uncured possibility works nice too.
- dressing: a easy mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and cumin creates the right tangy, herby end.
The right way to Make Dense Bean Salad
Step 1: Rinse and drain the beans, then add them to a big bowl with cucumbers, onion, peppers, and parsley.
Step 2: Whisk collectively the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic, garlic, oregano, dijon, cumin, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad.
Step 4: Add the feta and salami, toss all the pieces collectively, and alter seasonings to style. Serve straight away or chill for 30–60 minutes so the flavors meld.
Brittany’s Suggestions
- Rinse your beans properly: This helps take away extra sodium and retains the salad tasting contemporary. I as soon as skipped this step and the salad turned out a bit too salty, so now I by no means skip it.
- Let it chill: This salad tastes even higher after sitting within the fridge for at the least half-hour so the flavors can meld collectively.
- Style earlier than serving: Beans absorb dressing as they sit, so that you may wish to add an additional drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon proper earlier than consuming.
The right way to Retailer Dense Bean Salad
This salad holds up very well, which makes it nice for meal prep. Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3–4 days. For the crispiest veggies, maintain the dressing separate and toss it in proper earlier than serving.
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