Dense Bean Salad Prosciutto (Printable)

Protein-rich beans and prosciutto blend with fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing for a flavorful dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (14 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 small cucumber, diced

→ Prosciutto

08 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, cut into thin ribbons

→ Herbs & Extras

09 - 1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
10 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

11 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
15 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
16 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
02 - Incorporate the red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber into the beans.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
04 - Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine evenly.
05 - Fold in the finely chopped parsley and sliced basil gently.
06 - Just prior to serving, mix in the prosciutto ribbons, reserving a few to garnish on top.
07 - Adjust seasoning as needed and serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in twenty minutes without turning on the stove, so you can make it even when you're too tired to cook.
  • The prosciutto adds a salty, delicate richness that makes canned beans feel special and dinner-party worthy.
  • You can eat it straight from the bowl or serve it on a platter, and it somehow works both ways.
02 -
  • Don't add the prosciutto too early or it'll get soggy and lose its delicate texture, wait until just before serving.
  • If you make this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it in right before eating so the vegetables stay crisp.
03 -
  • Use the best olive oil you have, it's one of the main flavors and you'll taste the difference.
  • Let the salad sit for ten minutes after tossing so the beans absorb the dressing and everything tastes more cohesive.
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