Go Back Email Link
Print Recipe

Pesto Bean Salad

When it’s too hot to cook, don’t. This simple canned bean salad is enough for a whole meal on the porch in the shade but can also serve as a snuggly side for grilled chicken or burgers. Take it to the potluck; stick it in the cooler for your next picnic. Scale it down or ramp it up; you’ll be glad you did. A jar of purchased pesto will make the work even simpler. If you don’t want to chop all the vegetables, make an easy-peasy version by using only the minced onion, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese with the beans and pesto.

Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and crushed red pepper
  • ¼ cup EACH: red onion and cucumber cut into small dice
  • 1 large plump clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup EACH: diced yellow bell pepper, celery, and fennel
  • 20 small balls fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) cut in half or diced from the slices in a log of fresh mozzarella--about a cup
  • 16-18 cherry tomatoes --about a cup
  • ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup basil pesto, homemade or purchased
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Zest of one lemon

Instructions

  • ADD THE BEANS AND CHICKPEAS to a large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a generous pinch of crushed red pepper. Stir.
  • ADD THE ONIONS, CUCUMBER, GARLIC, peppers, celery, fennel, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives to the seasoned beans and mix well.
  • DRIZZLE IN THE PESTO and red wine vinegar and sprinkle with the zest of lemon. Stir until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings including salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, pesto, and red wine vinegar.
  • SERVE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. If making ahead, store undressed salad in refrigerator, waiting until just before serving to add the pesto, vinegar, and lemon zest.
    Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator 4-5 days, stirring well before serving again. (Taste and season again if needed.) Do not freeze.

Notes

If you'd like to make your own beans instead of using the canned variety, cook one pound of beans to equal 3 cans.
Copyright Alyce Morgan, 2023. All rights reserved.