Dense Bean Salad Sleepy Girl (Printable version)

Protein-rich bean and vegetable mix tossed in a tangy tart cherry vinaigrette for a satisfying, wholesome dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 can (15 fl oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 fl oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (15 fl oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 cup (5.3 fl oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - ½ small red onion, finely chopped
07 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

→ Sleepy Girl Mocktail Dressing

09 - ¼ cup (2 fl oz) tart cherry juice, 100% unsweetened
10 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - ½ tsp fine sea salt
15 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

16 - 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
17 - ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
02 - Whisk tart cherry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste and modify seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and add feta cheese and nuts or seeds if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in twenty minutes with no cooking required, perfect for nights when you're too tired to turn on the stove.
  • The tart cherry dressing is tangy and slightly sweet, turning a simple bean salad into something you'll actually crave.
  • It's packed with protein and fiber, so it keeps you full without feeling heavy or sluggish before bed.
  • The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, so you can make it without a special grocery run.
02 -
  • Rinsing the beans thoroughly is non-negotiable. It removes the starchy liquid that can make the salad slimy and dull tasting.
  • Don't overdress the salad. Start with three quarters of the dressing, toss, and add more only if needed. You can always add, but you can't take away.
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the cucumber and tomatoes until just before serving. They release water as they sit and can make the salad soggy.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts or seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes before adding them. The warm, nutty aroma makes a huge difference.
  • If you want a creamier dressing, blend in a tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt. It adds body and a subtle richness.
  • Make a double batch of the dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It's incredible on roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and even as a marinade for chicken.
Return