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Dense Bean Salad

Dense Bean Salad

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook, Tossed
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A hearty, protein-packed dense bean salad loaded with tender beans, crisp veggies, and a bright lemon-vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, and quick weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup green beans, blanched and chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set out a large mixing bowl, colander, cutting board, sharp knife, and a small bowl or jar for the dressing.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the mixing bowl, add kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, green beans, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Toss gently with a spoon or tongs until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or lemon if desired, then sprinkle with a little extra parsley.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
  • For extra zest, add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing.
  • Make it a meal by serving over greens or stuffing into warm pita.
  • Salad tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1 1/3 cups
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: dense bean salad, vegan bean salad, protein-packed salad, meal prep salad, picnic salad, chickpea salad, kidney bean salad