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Marinated Gigante Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Marinated Gigante Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
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Marinated Gigante Bean Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant and nutritious dish combining creamy giant beans with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic option, this salad delivers bold flavors, great texture, and wholesome goodness with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 cup dried Gigante beans (or 2 cups canned, rinsed and drained)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: If using dried Gigante beans, soak them overnight and then cook until creamy but still firm to the bite. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them well to reduce excess sodium and save time.
  2. Chop the Veggies and Herbs: Dice the sun-dried tomatoes finely, slice the red onion thinly, and roughly chop the fresh parsley to prepare for mixing.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced and flavorful marinade.
  4. Toss and Marinate: Combine the prepared beans, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and parsley with the dressing. Stir gently to mix all ingredients well. Cover and let the salad marinate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Stir the salad again before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve chilled or at room temperature as desired and enjoy this fresh, bold salad.

Notes

  • Use quality Gigante beans or large white butter beans for best texture and taste.
  • Allow enough marinating time—ideally several hours or overnight—for deeper flavor.
  • Adjust vinegar and oil ratios carefully to balance acidity without overpowering the beans.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are salted, reduce additional salt to avoid oversalting.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor release.
  • For protein boost, add crumbled feta or grilled chicken.
  • Swap parsley with basil, cilantro, or dill for different herbal notes.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spice kick.
  • Include diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for added crunch and color.
  • Use lemon juice and maple syrup in dressing for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Best consumed fresh; avoid freezing to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gigante bean salad, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated bean salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, vegan option, protein-rich salad

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/marinated-gigante-bean-salad-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/