Description
This Dense Bean Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and nutritious dish featuring white beans, colorful bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with garlic, this salad is perfect as a side or light meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and served chilled for a lively burst of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold water, then set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and all three bell peppers. Halve the cherry tomatoes or chop the roasted red peppers as preferred. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad: Add the sliced vegetables and chopped parsley to the bowl containing the beans. Pour the prepared dressing over and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a good stir for optimal flavor distribution.
Notes
- For a different texture and flavor, substitute cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and vinegar to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder dressing.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley to enhance freshness, or try substituting with cilantro or basil for a twist.
- This dish is gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan by ensuring the vinegar and other ingredients comply.
