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Dense Bean Salad Jars with chickpeas, kidney beans, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and feta cheese served in a white bowl.

Dense Bean Salad Jars

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These Dense Bean Salad Jars are the ultimate make-ahead lunch, packed with protein-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. They’re designed for busy weekdays, staying fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just shake and enjoy a nourishing, flavorful meal on the go.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup diced cucumber

1/2 cup finely diced red onion

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. 2. Rinse and drain all three cans of beans thoroughly. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

3. 3. Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the parsley.

4. 4. Add the diced vegetables and parsley to the bowl with the beans. Gently toss to combine.

5. 5. Assemble the jars: You will need 4-6 wide-mouth quart-sized (32-ounce) mason jars. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of dressing into the bottom of each jar. Divide the bean and vegetable mixture evenly among the jars, layering it on the dressing. If adding optional ingredients (corn, carrots, quinoa, etc.), add them now. Finally, fill the remaining space with baby spinach or mixed greens, gently packing them down.

6. 6. Seal the jars tightly with lids. Store upright in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To serve, shake the jar vigorously and pour into a bowl.

Notes

For best results, let the jars sit for at least an hour (preferably overnight) before serving to allow flavors to meld. Use wide-mouth jars for easy assembly. Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium and improves taste. Double the dressing if you like extra moisture. Swap beans or vegetables based on preference or what you have on hand. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by using maple syrup.

  • Author: Charlotte Johnson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan (if maple syrup is used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg