This Dense Bean Salad Recipe gives you all the viral Grinder flavor, no bread needed, just beans, salami, and an incredible dressing!
authorโs note
This Is What Happens When a Grinder Sandwich Meets a Bean Salad!
If you havenโt tried the TikTok-famous Grinder Sandwich, youโre missing out. Itโs unreal. I made my own version as sliders and pasta salad, and I havenโt stopped thinking about them since. So making another recipe with those same flavors? It had to happen.
Dense Bean Salad with Grinder Sandwich flavor? Yes, please. And if youโre wondering what that even means, itโs a hearty mix of beans, veggies, salami, and cheese. No greens, just bold, flavor-packed bites. A dense salad with beans!
Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make Dense Bean Salad Recipe:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas & cannellini beans | Use just one type if you prefer |
| Mozzarella pearls & salami | Chop a block of mozzarella if needed |
| Sweet peppers | Use 2 large peppers or a handful of minis |
| Red onion & pepperoncini | Use one or both |
| Fresh parsley | Swap with basil if you like |
Dense Bean Salad Recipe Dressing
I made a dressing like the one I use for my Grinder Slidersโitโs tangy, herby, and just sweet enough.
- Lemon juice: Use a juicer to make it easy. Add zest if you want more lemon flavor.
- Vinegar and Dijon: Adds tang and bold flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the tang. You can use less or swap with honey.
- Dried oregano and parsley: I like freeze-dried herbs for a little more flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh or jarred both workโgo with whatโs easy.
- Olive oil: Use a good extra-virgin oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Brings out all the flavors.
What to Serve With Dense Bean Salad Recipe
- Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping or soaking up dressing.
- Grilled chicken: To make this salad more of a meal.
- Pita chips: Great for dipping or serving on the side.
- Lettuce wraps: Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves for a light lunch.
Storage
Store this Dense Bean Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3โ4 days. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. The flavor gets better over time!
More Easy Salad Recipes:
Dense Bean Salad
Video
Equipment
- Wide-mouth Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese pearls
- 1 cup diced salami 4 ounces
- 1-1/2 cups diced sweet peppers I use 1 red & 1 orange
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup diced pepperoncini peppers
Instructionsย
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a wide-mouth mason jar. Season to taste (I use 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Shake until well combined. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Drizzle with as much dressing as youโd like (you might not need it all). Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Enjoy right away, or store in containers in the fridge for up to 3โ4 days. The flavor gets better as it sits!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Variations
Dense Bean Salad Recipe Swaps
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the salami or swap with chopped marinated artichokes or olives.
- Try different beans: Use black beans, kidney beans, or whatever youโve got!
- Switch the cheese: Feta or provolone both work great.
- No cheese? Add a large diced avocado instead.
- Add crunch: Toss in chopped cucumbers or shredded carrots.
This salad was a big hit at my party! I omitted the salami and used a shallot instead of the red onion. The dressing was really good. I used half of the dressing and then added more to taste. I will definitely make this again.
Yay! Iโm so happy to hear this! Thanks for sharing!
This recipe was easy and delicious. We ate it throughout the week for lunch. Iโll be making it again soon.
Yay! Iโm so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Hayley!
Fresh pepperoncini pepper or pickled, jarred ones?
Jarred! ๐
Why only 3 or 4 days? I would think atleast a week.
For how long it will last?
I loved this salad. Easy to make and delicious. I did not use the salami though, but will next time.
So thrilled you enjoyed! Youโll love it with the salami!