Dense Bean Salad, Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Printable)
Hearty bean salad with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, fresh herbs and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Ready in 15 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beans
01 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (15 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 (optional)
→ 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
# Steps:
01 - In a large salad bowl, toss together cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, capers, parsley, and basil if using.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature so the flavors meld.
05 - Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This is secretly the best way to clean out your pantry and still get approving nods at the table.
- The flavors deepen if you make it ahead, so leftovers actually turn into an advantage.
02 -
- I once forgot to drain the capers and wound up with a watery bottom, so always pat them dry.
- Letting the salad rest makes all the difference—the beans soak up every layer of flavor and it tastes like you tried much harder than you did.
03 -
- Tasting as you go—especially after the rest—saves you from underseasoning.
- Reserving a spoonful of sun-dried tomato oil for the dressing is a little-known magic that ties everything together.