Dense Bean Salad Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Printable version)
Mixed beans, sun-dried tomatoes, crisp veggies and capers dressed in a bright olive oil 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 in oil, sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 small cucumber, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 2 tbsp capers, drained
09 - 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - Salt, to taste
16 - Black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Combine the cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, capers, parsley, and basil (if used) in a large salad bowl.
02 - Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl or jar until fully blended.
03 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss with a large spoon to ensure an even coating.
04 - Rest the salad at room temperature for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow flavors to integrate.
05 - Present chilled or at room temperature as a side or light meal.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in every bite.
- The sun-dried tomatoes and capers transform humble beans into something utterly vibrant and restaurant-worthy.
02 -
- Adding the dressing too early to hot beans (if you use home-cooked) can mute the flavors—let them cool first.
- The salad’s personality shifts with rest: tasting after 30 minutes, the flavors mellow and meld in a way that’s almost addictive.
03 -
- Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt or vinegar—it wakes everything up.
- Rinse canned beans really well to prevent muddiness, and let the finished salad sit to let textures and flavors shine.