Dense Bean Salad Cherry (Print Version)

Protein-rich bean mix tossed with fresh veggies and a tangy tart cherry dressing for a wholesome meal.

# 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, 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, mix chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill until evenly distributed.
02 - Whisk tart cherry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as preferred.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl or platter, top with feta cheese and nuts or seeds if using, and serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's packed with protein and fiber so you feel genuinely satisfied without feeling heavy.
  • The tart cherry dressing is both delicious and linked to better sleep, which feels like a sneaky wellness win.
  • You can toss it together in under 20 minutes with mostly pantry staples.
  • It tastes even better the next day after the flavors soak in overnight.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the beans, the canned liquid can make the salad taste metallic and slimy.
  • Use 100 percent tart cherry juice, not a blend or cocktail, or the dressing will be too sweet and lose its sleep-supporting magic.
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the feta and nuts until just before serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before assembling, it keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
  • If you find the dressing too tart, add another half teaspoon of maple syrup, a tiny adjustment can make a big difference.
  • Toast your nuts or seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes before adding them, the warmth and crunch elevate the whole dish.
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