Italian Grinder Bean Salad Recipe
This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a vibrant and hearty salad combining protein-rich beans, savory diced turkey and salami, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by classic Italian sandwich flavors. It’s perfect as a make-ahead dish or a satisfying light meal with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 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
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
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, Dijon mustard, finely grated garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans and white beans, diced turkey breast, diced salami, green bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and diced provolone or mozzarella pearls. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss again thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with extra pepperoncini if desired, then serve chilled.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and salami and add extra cheese or tofu.
- You can prepare the salad a day ahead; the flavors improve as it chills.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you prefer fresh over dried oregano in the dressing.
- To reduce sodium, rinse beans thoroughly and reduce added salt in the dressing.
- Serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats for a complete meal.
Keywords: Italian bean salad, grinder salad, creamy dressing, garbanzo beans, white beans, turkey salad, salami salad, Mediterranean salad, make-ahead salad
