Flavorful Salad with Beans, Pickles, and Hemp Dressing

This delightful salad combines hearty red beans, tangy marinated cucumbers, and a unique hemp seed dressing for a fresh and nutritious meal. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a refreshing combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The addition of fresh greens and sprouts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The hemp dressing, made with olive oil and white wine vinegar, ties all the ingredients together with its rich, nutty taste, making it a healthier alternative to creamy dressings. This salad is simple to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays. If you're looking to impress guests, this dish also works wonderfully as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. For those interested in variations, this recipe is easily adaptable to vegan or gluten-free diets. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it alongside grilled meats for a more substantial meal. Whether you're a salad lover or just looking to try something new, this vibrant dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 400 g cooked red beans (about 1 can)
• 150 g marinated cucumbers (a full handful of small cucumbers)
• A bunch of fresh greens
• A handful of sprouts

Sauce:

• 50 g coarsely ground hemp seed mixture
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 100 g olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing the cooked red beans under cold water to remove any excess starch and drain them well.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Finely chop the marinated cucumbers into small pieces for easy mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Gather the Greens: Pick fresh greens, tearing the leaves away from the stems, and add them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed beans and chopped cucumbers to the bowl with the greens.
5. Add Sprouts: Gently fold in the sprouts, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the salad.
6. Make the Dressing: In a blender, combine the hemp seed mixture, olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
7. Blend until Smooth: Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth dressing.
8. Season the Dressing: Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
9. Dress the Salad: Pour the hemp dressing over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
10. Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or salad tongs to toss the salad until the dressing is evenly distributed.
11. Taste for Seasoning: After mixing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
12. Allow to Rest: Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
13. Plate the Salad: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large platter.
14. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle a few more sprouts or additional fresh greens on top for an extra pop of color.
15. Serve Immediately: For best results, serve the salad immediately after preparation.
16. Store Remaining Dressing: If you have leftover dressing, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
17. Refrigerate Leftovers: Any leftover salad can also be refrigerated for a day or two, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
18. Enjoy with Bread: Consider serving the salad with a slice of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
19. Pair with Protein: If desired, add a source of protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial dish.
20. Delight in Flavors: Enjoy the wonderful combination of nutty, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite!

Tips

• Substitution: Use chickpeas instead of red beans if you prefer.
• Vegan Dressing: Ensure the dressing is vegan by checking all ingredient labels.
• Storage Tip: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 380 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12 g
• Fats: 24 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure marinated cucumbers are gluten-free.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grilled Meat: Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
• As a Starter: Ideal to serve as a starter for a dinner party.
• With Bread: Pair with a slice of seeded bread or toast.

Best Places

• The Green Table - Focus on organic and fresh ingredients for a delightful salad experience. Location: 75 9th Avenue, New York, USA.
• Salad & Co. - Known for innovative salad combinations in a vibrant setting. Location: 57 Rue de Bretagne, Paris, France.
• Leafy Greens Cafe - Offering a variety of fresh salads with healthy dressing options. Location: 1180 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
• Herbivore's Delight - Vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a wide range of salad options. Location: 12 Camden High Street, London, UK.
• Fresh & Organic - A pioneer in serving clean, organic salads and sides. Location: Nishi-Azabu 3-24-1, Tokyo, Japan.
• Green's Garden - Cozy place featuring local produce in all their dishes. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 104, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Veggie Haven - A vegan paradise known for its creative salads. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7, Budapest, Hungary.
• Salad Bar 21 - Where fresh flavors meet an array of dressings and toppings. Location: Via Torino 24, Milan, Italy.
• The Green Leaf - Rustic cafe offering vibrant fresh salads and smoothies. Location: 457 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Nourish Bistro - Offers a broad menu focused on healthy, nutritional dishes. Location: 110 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada.