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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 Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy gigante beans soaked in a flavorful marinade, complemented by the tangy, rich notes of sun-dried tomatoes. This nutritious salad is perfect as a hearty side or a light main, delivering bold flavors, delightful textures, and effortless preparation for versatile meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 cup dried gigante beans (soaked overnight)
  • Water (for soaking and cooking beans)

Salad Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Soak the gigante beans overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them, then cook in fresh water until tender but not mushy, about 1 to 2 hours depending on freshness. Drain and let cool completely.
  2. Prep the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: While the beans cook, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Mince the garlic finely to evenly release its flavor in the salad.
  3. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the acidity to balance richness perfectly.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled beans with the sun-dried tomatoes, chopped herbs, and marinade. Make sure every bean is generously coated with the dressing for full flavor.
  5. Let It Marinate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the beans to absorb the bright, tangy flavors, creating a harmonious blend.

Notes

  • Use quality fresh or well-preserved gigante beans for best texture and taste.
  • Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
  • Adjust lemon juice or vinegar to balance acidity according to your preference.
  • Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature to suit the occasion or season.
  • Canned gigante beans can be used as a time-saving alternative—just rinse well before use.
  • To add protein, include grilled chicken or feta cheese.
  • For a vegan crunch, add toasted pine nuts.
  • Incorporate fresh veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for added freshness.
  • Try swapping parsley for cilantro or mint to vary the herbal note.

Nutrition

Keywords: gigante bean salad, marinated bean salad, sun-dried tomato salad, Mediterranean salad, gluten free salad, vegan bean salad, healthy salad

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