- Keep every vegetable dice close to bean size so each spoonful is balanced.
- Dry beans well so the vinaigrette clings rather than becoming watery.
Meal prep clarityLunch · Mediterranean style
Sun Dried Tomato Dense Bean Salad
Two beans, crisp vegetables, herbs, and sun dried tomato vinaigrette, the sturdy salad built for tomorrow too.
Trend signalDense bean salad waveWhy it is trending · Violet Witchel trend coverage ↗MoodRecipe developed this original version after tracking the wider social food format. It is not a transcription of the linked recipe.
20 minutesEasy difficulty18g protein
Why it fits
A ready to go lunch with firm texture and bright dressing removes decisions from the busiest part of the day.
01 Gather
Ingredients
Makes 2 generous servings
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 Persian cucumber
- ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes
- ¼ red onion
- ½ cup basil and parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
02 Make
The good part
- 01
Rinse and dry the beans thoroughly; finely dice the pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
- 02
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, grated garlic, 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil, salt, and pepper.
- 03
Fold beans, vegetables, and dressing together without crushing the beans.
- 04
Add chopped herbs, rest 15 minutes, and adjust vinegar and salt before serving.
03 Know before you cook
Small details, better dinner.
Practical notes for getting the texture right, adapting the ingredients, and saving what is left.
- Butter beans, kidney beans, or black eyed peas can replace either bean.
- Add feta, tuna, or chopped chicken when you want a different protein profile.
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Stir and taste again before serving because beans absorb acidity.
Recipe imagery is an original digital editorial illustration of the named dish. See our publishing and imagery standards.
Per serving, approximately
420 calories18g protein15g fiber
Nutrition is an estimate and may vary with brands and portions.04 The kitchen edit
The right tools for this recipe.
Every pick is matched to the ingredients and technique on this page. No random products. No novelty drawer fillers.
Salad spinner
Dry greens properly so dressings cling and every bite stays crisp.
Check Amazon’s current picks ↗Citrus squeezer
Fast fresh lemon and lime juice for dressings, marinades, and bright finishes.
Check Amazon’s current picks ↗Everyday chef’s knife
A versatile blade for herbs, vegetables, fruit, and nearly every prep step here.
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