Italian Grinder Dense Bean Salad

Everything you love about a grinder sandwich is in this Italian Grinder Dense Bean Salad. Sliced salami and pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, red onion and pepperoncini peppers are tossed with cubed mozzarella and provolone cheese, 3 different beans and a creamy grinder dressing. Yields approximately 8 cups.

Another week, a new dense bean salad.

To be fair, I did warn you that dense bean salads would be my entire personality this summer… year? With that said, here is the second recipe from my growing list of bean salads. Inspired by the grinder sandwich this has everything you love about that incredible sandwich but in dense bean salad form. Three different types of beans combined with salami, pepperoni, cubed mozzarella and provolone cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny pepperoncini and sliced red onion tossed in a ridiculously delicious and lusciously creamy grinder dressing.

Serve this as is or as a side dish, but I personally like it with grilled chicken and/or grilled italian bread.

To Make This Italian Grinder Dense Bean Salad You Will Need:

for the dressing:

• italian seasoning – Use homemade or store-bought.
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavors in the dressing.
• freshly ground black pepper – Adds distinct bite and flavor.
• garlic paste – Or substitute with freshly grated.
• mayonnaise – Lends richness and creaminess.
• red wine vinegar – Adds a punchier more vibrant and tangy flavor.
• dijon mustard – Adds flavor and helps to emulsify the dressing.
• olive oil – Adds richness and flavor.

for the salad:

• cannellini beans – Or use great northern beans.
• roman beans – These are also known as barlotti or cranberry beans. (linked in recipe printable)
• great northern beans – Or use cannellini beans.
• mozzarella cheese – Adds mild flavor and soft texture.
• sharp provolone cheese – Lends bold, savory and tangy flavor.
• italian dry salami – I like Columbus reduced sodium (not sponsored).
• pepperoni – I like Columbus uncured pepperoni (not sponsored).
• cherry tomatoes – Adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• pepperoncini peppers  (sliced) – Adds mild to spicy heat and delicious tangy flavor.
• red onion – Lends delicious and slightly sharp onion flavor.
• basil (fresh) – Gives this salad bright herbaceous flavor.
• parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of nuttiness. Use freshly grated for best flavor.
• parsley (fresh) – Optional for serving.

Make The Dressing:

In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, measure and add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic paste (or freshly grated), 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1/4 cup olive oil.

Want a little heat? Add in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

Whisk to combine and set off to the side.

What Type of Beans Work For This Dense Bean Salad?

For this Italian Grinder Dense Bean Salad, I’m using three types of beans; cannellini, Roman beans (aka barlotti or cranberry beans), and great northern beans. I like to use canned beans which allows you to whip this salad up quickly. Just be sure to rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander and drain well.

Note: If you can’t fine barlotti beans at your store, I’ve linked them in my recipe printable at the bottom of this post.

In a large bowl, add the 3 types of beans, 3 ounces of both cubed mozzarella and provolone cheese, 3 ounces of both salami and pepperoni (sliced), 1½ cups cherry tomato halves, 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil and 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving).

Pour the creamy grinder dressing over top.

Toss well to combine.

FOR SERVING:

To serve, transfer to a large serving platter or bowl and top with a little extra chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.

How to Store This Dense Bean Salad:

Store in an air-tight container or individual serving dishes with tight-fitting lid(s) and store in the refrigerator.

How long Will this Dense Bean Salad Last?

If store properly, it should last up to 4 to 6 days.

Click Here For More Dense Bean Salad Recipes!

Enjoy! And if you give this Italian Grinder Dense Bean Salad recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!