Grinder Bean Salad

This dense bean grinder style salad is the perfect summer bean salad loaded with flavor and packed with fiber and plant protein. It keeps super well, perfect for a make ahead side or for meal prep. It combines the salty, savory profile of salami and cheeses with a zesty dressing delivering a bold, mouth-watering combination of deli-style flavors in this deconstructed bean forward take on a grinder sandwich.

Why You Are Going To Love This Bean Salad

• This vibrant salad has loads of flavor. From the fresh veggies to the briny additions and cheeses. The salad dressing is a very simple one that compliments the salad so well
• The chickpeas and white beans provide loads of plant protein and fibre to this recipe - dense bean salad.
• This salad hold up really well and gets better while sitting so its so great for meal prep
• It is so versatile and you can switch out many portions of it to taste
  
  

What is a Grinder Bean Salad?

You may have heard of a grinder salad or a grinder sandwich. The grinder sandwich came first in the early 1900’s in the states. There are a few theories about the name and a common one is that this sandwich which was loaded with meat was called a grinder because the crusty Italian roll that it was made with was so chewy that you had to “grind” through it. Eventually it became the sub or submarine that we all know and love. It is usually made with long crusty bread, layered with a combination of Italian deli meats, such as salami, capicola, pepperoni, prosciutto, and mortadella. It also contains sliced cheese often: provolone, mozzarella, Havarti, or Colby jack, often melted directly into the toasted bread. Then a layer of grinder salad - or blend of shredded iceberg lettuce (or cabbage), thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncinis or banana peppers, dressed with a combination of mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasonings. It also includes sliced tomatoes and a large dusting of parmesan cheese. We took those flavor and made them into a bean salad and we sort of love it and think you will too.

Grinder Bean Salad Recipe Ingredients

• BEANS: For the best texture in a salad, we use white beans and chickpeas. We used canned for ease and convenience. Drain and rinse them well before adding to salad. Feel free to cook your own for this recipe too - see recipe notes below recipe about amounts. If you would like to add in some lentils for extra texture and plant protein you can.
• TOMATOES: We like to use grape tomatoes for this salad because they are denser, and less watery and hold their shape better than cherry tomatoes and great in salads especially if you are making a big batch for meal prep.
• BELL PEPPER: Use any color you like. They too add delicious sweet crunch to the salad. We love the flavor of red bell pepper so that is what we used.
• RED ONION & GARLIC: They add so much flavor to the salad and the dressing. If you prefer to use shallots for the red onion you can. We use fresh garlic in the dressing but you can use dried or granulated if you prefer
• OLIVES: They add briny flavor to the salad. Use green olives or Kalamata olives or a blend of whatever varieties you like.
• FRESH HERBS & SPICES: We use a combination of fresh flat-leaf parsley and basil for a very fresh flavor but really you can use any fresh herbs or herb blend you like - we also like this salad with cilantro. For spices in the dressing we added a little oregano and a pinch of pepper flakes. If you prefer to use Italian seasoning blend you can instead of the oregano.
• CHEESE: We use a combination of baby pearl mozzarella or baby bocconcini and parmesan cheese.
• SALAMI: We used sliced Genoa salami for this recipe but any salami or deli meat will work and you can even do a combination of salami, turkey, prosciutto or ham.
• PEPPERONCINI PEPPERS: Pepperoncini peppers are small, mildly spicy chili peppers that are tangy, slightly sweet, and very mild. They add so much delicious flavor. A good substitute would be banana peppers.
• OLIVE OIL: We use extra virgin olive oil for the dressing/ vinaigrette.
• RED WINE VINEGAR: The vinegar brings a robust, sharp “zing” to your dressing, Feel free to swap it out for white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer or even some of the pepper juice.
• DIJON MUSTARD: Dijon mustard acts as a binder (emulsifier) in salad dressings, forcing oil and vinegar to combine into a smooth, creamy texture without separating. It also adds a sharp, tangy flavor to it.
• OPTIONAL ADD INS: We often like to add diced or slice avocado for a nice creamy texture. We also love to toss in some baby greens like arugula, micro greens, baby kale or spinach or spring mix. Make it heartier by adding slaw mix or shredded cabbage.
  
  

How to Make Grinder Bean Salad

1. Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, or mason jar whisk or shake all dressing ingredients until combined.
2. Prepare Salad: In a large bowl add the beans and remaining salad ingredients.
3. Assemble Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
   
   

More Cooling Simple Fresh Summer Salads You Will Love:

• Greek Cucumber Salad
• Marinated Tomato Salad (Italian Tomato Salad)
• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Cucumber Chickpea Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Peach and Tomato Salad
• Chickpea Avocado Salad
• Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)
• Classic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
• Mediterranean Lentil Salad