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Italian Grinder Bean Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish combining chickpeas, kidney beans, salami, turkey, and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a hearty lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 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

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, brine from banana peppers (if using), dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are smooth and well combined.
  2. Add salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add drained and rinsed chickpeas, kidney beans, sliced salami, sliced deli turkey, mini bocconcini pearls, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped pickled banana peppers.
  3. Toss salad: Gently toss all the ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing and well distributed. Taste the salad and adjust seasonings, such as salt or pepper, as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
  • For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese.
  • Banana pepper brine adds a tangy depth, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Feel free to substitute turkey and salami with other deli meats or keep it vegetarian by omitting meats and increasing beans and cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Italian grinder salad, bean salad, chickpea salad, kidney bean salad, Italian dressing salad, deli meat salad, bocconcini salad, healthy lunch salad

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