Description
This High Protein Three Bean Salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish packed with protein-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a satisfying side, this salad combines kidney beans, white beans, and chickpeas with marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish. The tangy vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a hint of honey complements this refreshing salad beautifully, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, sliced
- 2 mini cucumbers, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs, such as basil and parsley, chopped
- Squeeze of lemon juice from half a lemon
- Pinch of salt
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp coarse Kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp fine salt)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- A few grinds of black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed kidney beans, white beans, and chickpeas with chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced sun dried tomatoes, cucumbers cut into half moons, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small jar, add extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced shallot, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. Close the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Add Dressing to Salad: Pour about half a cup of the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from half a lemon and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors further.
- Toss Salad: Using salad spoons, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette and well combined.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and refrigerate to serve cold later. This salad holds well and flavors meld beautifully when chilled.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.
- Ensure the beans are thoroughly drained and rinsed to reduce sodium content.
- Add additional fresh herbs or vegetables like bell peppers or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
