Name: Italian Grinder Bean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup diced cooked turkey breast slices; 1 cup diced salami or cured sausage; 1 green bell pepper, diced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup sliced pepperoncini; ½ small red onion, finely diced; ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped; 1 cup diced provolone or mozzarella pearls; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp pepperoncini brine; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; Sea salt, to taste

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Introduction

This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beans, savory meats, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a satisfying lunch or a side dish for gatherings. The unique combination of ingredients offers a taste reminiscent of a classic Italian sandwich in salad form.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a layered salad featuring diced white beans as the base layer, mixed with chunks of pale yellow cheese and pieces of red salami, all interspersed with sliced green and yellow pickled peppers. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch, while the mixture shows bits of light purple onion and pale green celery dispersed throughout. The bowl rests on a cloth with beige and white stripes, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup diced turkey breast slices
1 cup diced salami or cured sausage
1 green bell pepper, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup sliced pepperoncini
½ small red onion, finely diced
½ cup parsley, roughly chopped
1 cup diced provolone or mozzarella pearls

For the Creamy Grinder Dressing:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp pepperoncini brine
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sea salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, white beans, diced turkey breast, diced salami or cured sausage, diced green bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini, finely diced red onion, roughly chopped parsley, and diced provolone or mozzarella pearls. Gently toss to mix evenly.
Step 3: Pour the creamy grinder dressing over the salad ingredients and toss again until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with extra pepperoncini if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamier texture or provolone for a sharper bite.
For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and salami and add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers instead.
Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Make the salad a day ahead to enhance the flavors, but add the cheese just before serving to keep it fresh.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight. If the salad thickens, toss it gently before serving. It’s best served chilled. Avoid freezing due to the fresh vegetables and dairy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a spoon holding a mix of salad ingredients above a white bowl filled with the same salad, placed on a white marbled surface. The spoon's contents show layers of small white beans, light yellow pepper slices, pink bits of ham, green herbs, and small white cheese chunks with a creamy dressing visible on them. The bowl beneath contains a colorful mix of these ingredients including white beans, yellow peppers, red onions, fresh green herbs, and creamy white cheese pieces, all mixed together with a light dressing. The background is simple and blurred with a soft, light gray color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute with any canned beans such as kidney beans or black beans, but traditional garbanzo and white beans provide the authentic texture and flavor for this recipe.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad holds up well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.