This dense bean salad is filled with beans, salami, crunchy veggies, and feta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and filled with protein and fiber. A salad that really 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 season 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 last word cookout aspect dish for a crowd.
The unique recipe doesn’t embody feta or salami, however I began including each for further 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: At all times a success at gatherings, and the bowl is assured to be scraped clear.
- Journey-friendly: Packs up simply for picnics, potlucks, or highway 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.
- Huge batch: Makes lots to share with associates or household.
- Versatile: Scrumptious alongside grilled rooster, salmon, burgers, or perhaps a veggie burger.
Components Wanted
You solely want a handful of contemporary, easy components for this dense bean salad. Most are pantry staples or easy-to-find produce, so you may whip it up anytime.
- cucumbers: I like utilizing Persian cucumbers as a result of they’re further crisp, have skinny pores and skin (no peeling wanted), and fewer seeds, which suggests much less water within the salad. Their gentle, barely candy taste pairs completely with the beans.
- crimson onion: provides a pop of sharp taste and delightful shade.
- bell peppers: I take advantage of a mixture of colours for further crunch and pure sweetness.
- contemporary parsley: vibrant, 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.
How one can 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 every thing collectively, and modify seasonings to style. Serve instantly 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 not less than half-hour so the flavors can meld collectively.
- Style earlier than serving: Beans take in 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.
How one can 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, preserve the dressing separate and toss it in proper earlier than serving.
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