Name: Italian Grinder Bean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (use light if desired); 1 Tbsp brine from banana peppers (optional); ½ Tbsp dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); Black pepper to taste; 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed, ~15 oz); 1 can red or white kidney beans (drained and rinsed, ~15 oz); 2 oz sliced salami (sliced into ¼-inch strips); 2 oz deli turkey (sliced into ¼-inch strips); 1 cup mini bocconcini pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered); 1 medium bell pepper (diced small); ¼ medium red onion (sliced thin); ½ cup pickled sliced banana peppers (drained and chopped)

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Introduction

This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with beans, fresh veggies, savory meats, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy the freshness of classic Italian flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp mayonnaise (use light if desired)
1 Tbsp brine from banana peppers (optional)
½ Tbsp dijon mustard
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 can red or white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
2 oz sliced salami (sliced into ¼-inch strips)
2 oz deli turkey (sliced into ¼-inch strips)
1 cup mini bocconcini pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
1 medium bell pepper (diced small)
¼ medium red onion (sliced thin)
½ cup pickled sliced banana peppers (drained and chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated parmesan, mayonnaise, brine from banana peppers (if using), dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add chickpeas, kidney beans, sliced salami, deli turkey, mini bocconcini pearls, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped pickled banana peppers to the bowl.
Step 3: Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for an hour for flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and turkey and add extra mozzarella or olives for protein.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter flavor boost.
If you prefer a creamier salad, increase the mayonnaise slightly or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Make the salad ahead and refrigerate for a few hours; it tastes even better once the flavors meld together.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, it is best enjoyed within this timeframe. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir and add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if it seems dry. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fresh ingredients will degrade.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad showing multiple layers: dark red kidney beans and light beige chickpeas form a base mixed with small white mozzarella balls, thin slices of reddish-pink salami, and shredded white turkey. Scattered throughout are bright green bell pepper pieces, thin slices of purple onion, small red cherry tomato halves, and bits of orange and yellow bell pepper. Two wooden salad spoons rest inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a green-checked cloth underneath, surrounded by a beige cloth, an empty white plate with silverware, two glasses with ice and green-tinted water, and small white dishes containing sliced bell peppers and ground black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute or add other beans like black beans or cannellini beans depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge and makes a nutritious, ready-to-eat meal for several days. Just keep the dressing mixed in to maintain flavor and moisture.