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Italian Grinder Bean Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish combining chickpeas, kidney beans, deli meats, fresh vegetables, and mini mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a flavorful homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, a side salad, or a make-ahead potluck favorite, this salad offers a refreshing blend of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Dressing

  • 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

Salad Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Italian Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, banana pepper brine (if using), dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and kidney beans, sliced salami and deli turkey strips, mini bocconcini pearls or cubed mozzarella, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped pickled banana peppers into the mixing bowl with the dressing.
  3. Toss and Serve: Toss all ingredients together gently but thoroughly, making sure everything is evenly coated with the Italian dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami and turkey and increase the cheese or add extra beans.
  • Brine from banana peppers adds a nice tang but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Use light mayonnaise for a lower-fat option.
  • This salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; the flavors will intensify over time.
  • Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

Keywords: Italian bean salad, Italian grinder salad, easy bean salad, no cook salad, Mediterranean salad, chickpea salad, kidney bean salad, deli meat salad, bocconcini salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/italian-grinder-bean-salad-recipe/