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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise - 1 small red onion, finely diced - 1 cucumber, peeled and diced into small cubes - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 clove garlic, minced into a paste - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Crumbled feta cheese - Avocado slices - Bell peppers for added crunch When making a Tomato and Herby Bean Salad, the ingredients are key. Each item adds its own unique taste and texture. The chickpeas and cannellini beans are your main proteins. They make the salad hearty and filling. The cherry tomatoes bring a juicy burst of flavor. Their sweetness balances the other ingredients. The red onion adds a nice sharpness, while the cucumber gives a fresh crunch. Fresh parsley and basil bring vibrant herbal notes that brighten every bite. The extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar make a simple yet tasty dressing. Garlic enhances the flavor, adding depth. Do not forget salt and pepper. They are vital for bringing all these flavors together. You can also customize your salad with optional add-ins. Crumbled feta adds creaminess, while avocado gives a rich texture. Bell peppers provide extra crunch and color. This combination creates a beautiful and tasty dish. For the full recipe, check the section above! - Add chickpeas and cannellini beans to a large mixing bowl. - Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and cucumber. I love starting with the base. The chickpeas and cannellini beans give this salad a great protein boost. They also add a nice creamy texture. Next, the cherry tomatoes bring in a burst of sweetness. The red onion adds a crisp bite, while the cucumber gives a refreshing crunch. Together, these ingredients make the perfect mix. - Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. - Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Now, let’s make the dressing. I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic until they blend smoothly. This dressing balances the salad with tang and richness. Don’t forget to taste it! A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can elevate the flavors. - Drizzle the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. - Gently fold in the chopped parsley and basil. Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the beans and veggies. I like to fold everything together gently. This way, I avoid mashing the beans. The fresh parsley and basil add a herby brightness, which makes the salad even more inviting. - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavors. After combining, I always taste the salad. If it needs more salt or pepper, I add it in. Then, I let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting time helps all the flavors come together beautifully. You can find the full recipe to guide you through these steps. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful creation! - Letting the salad sit longer helps the flavors mix well. - Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty touch. - Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl for a beautiful display. - Top with extra herbs or crumbled feta for a nice finish. - Chop and prepare all ingredients ahead for quick assembly. - Cut vegetables into similar sizes for a neat look. Use these tips to elevate your Tomato and Herby Bean Salad. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! {{image_4}} You can switch up the beans in this salad. Replace chickpeas or cannellini beans with black beans or pinto beans. This change gives your salad a new taste and feel. If you want a homemade touch, try using dried beans. Just soak and cook them first for the best results. Herbs make this salad shine! You can try using cilantro or mint instead of parsley and basil. Each herb offers a unique flavor that can change the whole dish. If fresh herbs aren’t around, you can use dried herbs. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger than fresh ones. To make this salad vegan, simply skip the feta cheese. It still tastes great without it! If you need to avoid gluten, look for gluten-free vinegar options. This way, everyone can enjoy this fresh and tasty dish. To keep your Tomato and Herby Bean Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps lock in flavors and maintain crispness. It’s wise to store the dressing separately. This keeps the veggies crunchy and prevents sogginess. For the best taste, enjoy your salad within 2-3 days. The flavors will blend and deepen, making it taste even better. However, the veggies may lose their crunch over time, so eat it sooner rather than later. Freezing this salad isn't a good idea. Fresh ingredients change texture when frozen. Instead, you might freeze individual servings of beans. This way, you can add them to other meals later without losing quality. You can make this salad ahead by preparing the salad and dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and flavorful. Yes! You can easily add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. This addition makes the salad more filling and satisfying. You can also try adding boiled eggs or nuts for a different twist. Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh for days in the fridge. Just remember to store the dressing separately to keep the veggies crunchy. This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or fish. It also works great as a side dish for any main meal. You can serve it with burgers, steaks, or even pasta dishes for a complete meal. This blog outlined a fresh and tasty Tomato and Herby Bean Salad. It covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You can add your favorite proteins or herbs to customize it. Proper storage helps maintain its freshness. This salad is perfect for meal prep and pairs well with many dishes. Enjoy making it your own!

Tomato and Herby Bean Salad

Discover a refreshing Tomato & Herby Bean Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! Bursting with flavor, this easy recipe features protein-packed chickpeas, cannellini beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Toss it all together with a simple homemade dressing for a delightful and healthy dish. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this vibrant salad. Click through for the full recipe and make your mealtime shine!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 cucumber, peeled and diced into small cubes

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced into a paste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the drained and rinsed chickpeas and cannellini beans. This will serve as the protein-packed base of your salad.

    Next, introduce the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and diced cucumber into the bowl. These vibrant ingredients will add fresh flavor and crunch.

      In a separate small bowl, create your dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.

        Drizzle the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.

          Gently fold in the chopped parsley and basil, taking care to combine everything without mashing the beans. This is where the herby freshness comes alive!

            Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if desired.

              Allow the salad to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting period will help the flavors meld beautifully.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: For serving, place the salad in a large, shallow bowl to enhance its vibrant colors. Garnish the top with additional fresh herbs for an extra pop of color. For a delightful twist, consider sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving to complement the flavors with a creamy touch!