Dense Bean Salad Sleepy Girl (Print out)

Protein-packed bean blend tossed with fresh vegetables and a vibrant tart cherry vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

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

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

→ Sleepy Girl Mocktail Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup tart cherry juice (100% juice, 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 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
15 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

16 - 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
17 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
02 - In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk tart cherry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and top with feta cheese and nuts or seeds if using.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a one-bowl dinner that feels indulgent without weighing you down before bed.
  • Three types of beans mean serious protein, and you'll actually feel satisfied, not stuffed.
  • The tart cherry dressing is unexpected enough that people always ask what makes it taste so good.
02 -
  • Dijon mustard might seem like a small detail, but it's what makes the dressing emulsify instead of separating. It's a kitchen secret that changes everything.
  • If you make this ahead, the beans will soften and the flavors will deepen, which is beautiful, but wait to add the nuts until the last minute or they'll get soggy.
03 -
  • Buy a bottle of tart cherry juice and keep it in your pantry; it elevates so many dishes beyond just this salad, from vinaigrettes to smoothie bowls.
  • If you're making this for dinner and want it to feel more substantial, serve it alongside warm bread or with a small piece of grilled chicken or fish on the side.
Go back