Name: Dense Bean Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

January 28, 2026

A vibrant, protein-packed bean salad loaded with creamy garbanzos, tender navy beans, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs, all tied together with a bold, zesty dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a filling lunch straight from the fridge.

From the Cook

1/6

Dense Bean Salad

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningSulphites allergen identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Balancing Bowls.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until fully emulsified.

In a large bowl, combine beans, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro, and mint.

Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until everything is well coated.

Cover and let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.

Stir before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Bean Soaking Secrets 💧
If using dried beans, soak them overnight and add a pinch of baking soda to the water to help soften and reduce cooking time.
Herb Chopping Pro Tip 🌿
Roll fresh mint and cilantro leaves tightly before chopping to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant color and essential oils.
Dressing Emulsion Magic 🥄
Whisk the olive oil into the lemon juice and vinegar slowly to create a stable, creamy emulsion that coats the beans and vegetables evenly.
Flavor Layering Technique 🧂
Let the salad sit for 30 minutes after dressing to allow the beans to absorb the marinade and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
Veggie Texture Perfection 🔪
Cut vegetables to uniform, small dice (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even distribution and a consistent bite in every spoonful.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.