Dense Bean Salad Cherry (Printable Version)

Hearty bean and vegetable salad tossed with a tangy tart cherry vinaigrette for a nutritious, fresh dish.

# Components:

→ Beans

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

→ Sleepy Girl Mocktail Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup tart cherry juice (100% unsweetened)
10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

16 - 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
17 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cannellini beans, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk tart cherry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture; toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts or seeds if using.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's basically a protein powerhouse that doesn't taste like you're being responsible about nutrition.
  • The tart cherry dressing is tangy and surprising, with just enough sweetness to make you want another bite.
  • Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, no cooking required.
  • It actually helps you sleep better, which feels like magic until you realize the science behind it.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans—the starch coating is what makes bean salads taste pasty and sad.
  • Make the dressing fresh the day you serve it because the cherry juice and herbs lose their brightness after sitting in the fridge for more than a day.
  • If you want to prep this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it in right before serving to keep everything crisp.
03 -
  • Toast your own walnuts or pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes if you use them—the flavor is sharper and more satisfying than store-bought.
  • If you're making this for people skeptical about tart cherry, don't tell them about the sleep science until after they've eaten it and loved it.
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