Dense Bean Salad Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Printable)
Protein-packed Mediterranean bean salad with sun-dried tomatoes, crisp veg and zesty red wine vinaigrette.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beans
01 - 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables & Add-Ins
04 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 small cucumber, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 2 tablespoons capers, drained
09 - 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - Salt, to taste
16 - Black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Add cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, capers, parsley, and basil to a large salad bowl.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated.
04 - Let salad stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You&apoll never look at a can of beans the same way once you know how much flavor just a handful of sun-dried tomatoes can bring.
- This dish is my go-to for potlucks because it can sit out, taste great the next day, and secretly packs a ton of protein.
02 -
- I once rushed and skipped that ten-minute rest—trust me, the salad tasted flat without it.
- Using sun-dried tomatoes in oil instead of dry is a game-changer for both texture and taste.
03 -
- If your beans seem too watery after rinsing, pat them dry on a kitchen towel to keep your salad crisp.
- Add a spoonful of sun-dried tomato oil to the dressing for extra depth—this is my secret weapon now.