Dinner

Dense Bean Salad Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Dense Bean Salad is a vibrant, hearty mix full of fresh vegetables, beans, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or as a flavorful side dish at dinner. Simple to make and packed with texture, it’s sure to satisfy.

A big white bowl filled with a colorful, mixed bean salad made of small, chopped pieces of red, yellow, and orange peppers, white beans, small chunks of green cucumber, bits of red onion, and some green herbs scattered throughout, creating a bright and fresh look. The mix is evenly spread in the bowl showing a textured, chunky surface. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are salt and pepper shakers made of white marble on a wooden base, a small white bowl with crumbled white cheese, a white sauce dish with a thick green dressing, and wooden salad serving utensils with handles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 small Persian cucumbers, or 1 ½ cups, chopped
½ red onion, diced
3 multicolor bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
1 head of parsley, finely chopped
1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can navy beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup high quality balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1-2 teaspoons sea salt, start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup chopped salami (such as Applegate Farms Genoa Salami)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and drain the chickpeas and navy beans, then add them to a large salad bowl. Add the chopped cucumbers, diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, and finely chopped parsley.
Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, cumin, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. If you’re not serving immediately, store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.
Step 4: Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped salami to the salad. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 5: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 6: Serve the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a different flavor twist.
Swap feta for goat cheese or omit cheese to make it dairy-free.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve after resting, but add the feta and salami just before serving if possible to keep them fresh. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with seven colorful ingredients arranged in separate sections. Starting from the top and moving clockwise, there is a layer of chopped red onions with a purple and white color, a large mound of crumbly white cheese, a small portion of beige beans, a pile of pinkish chopped meat, bright green diced cucumbers, finely chopped yellow bell peppers, and bright orange diced bell peppers. In the center, a small cluster of finely chopped parsley and some mixed dried herbs bring dark green and brown shades. Around the bowl, there is a white marbled surface, a white bowl filled with more crumbled cheese, and a sauce container above with green seasoning inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this salad?

Yes, you can substitute navy beans with cannellini, great northern, or even black beans depending on your preference. Just make sure they are cooked and drained well.

How long should I marinate the salad before serving?

Chilling the salad for 30 to 60 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, it can also be served immediately if you prefer a crunchier texture.