Description
This Italian Grinder Bean Salad is a flavorful and hearty no-cook dish combining cannellini beans, fresh mozzarella, assorted peppers, Italian meats, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy Italian-seasoned dressing. Perfect as a vibrant side or a satisfying light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Salad
- 1/2 large red onion, finely chopped
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped banana peppers or peperoncini
- 2 ounces hot soppressata or pepperoni, finely chopped or quartered
- 2 ounces salami, finely chopped or quartered
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine vegetables and beans: Add the finely chopped red onion, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, mozzarella balls, roasted red bell peppers, and finely chopped banana peppers or peperoncini to the bowl with the dressing. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, then toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add meats and sun-dried tomatoes: Incorporate the finely chopped or quartered hot soppressata (or pepperoni), salami, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the salad. Toss again to ensure all flavors are well combined.
- Finish with fresh basil: Top the salad with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for a fresh aromatic touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad marinate refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute the Italian meats with vegetarian alternatives to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- If mozzarella balls are large, slice them in halves or quarters to distribute evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on preference and saltiness of meats.
- Use fresh or good-quality canned beans for the best texture and flavor.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian bean salad, cannellini bean salad, Italian grinder salad, no cook salad, Italian antipasto salad, mozzarella salad, meat salad, Italian dressing
