Dense Bean Salad Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Print View)

Protein-rich Mediterranean bean salad with sun-dried tomatoes, crisp cucumber and red pepper, tossed in a bright red wine vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 small cucumber, diced
07 - 1 medium 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

# Method:

01 - Combine cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, capers, parsley, and basil in a large salad bowl.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully combined.
03 - Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating.
04 - Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • You can toss it together in one bowl, and it looks impressively colorful without any real fuss.
  • The zesty sun-dried tomatoes add the kind of punch that makes you come back for a second helping.
02 -
  • If you skip draining the sun-dried tomatoes, the whole thing turns greasy instead of glossy.
  • Letting the salad rest really does mellow the onions and brings all those punchy flavors into harmony.
03 -
  • Use a fork to whisk the dressing if you don’t have a whisk—it blends faster and more thoroughly than you’d expect.
  • Taste the salad after resting and adjust seasoning—you’ll be surprised how much flavor deepens with time.

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