Description
This high-protein dense bean salad with chicken combines tender chicken breast, hearty chickpeas and cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. It’s a nutritious, filling dish perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a light summer dinner, offering a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon-Dijon Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Add the chickpeas and cannellini beans to a large bowl and rinse or drain them thoroughly to remove any excess liquid.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, basil, feta cheese (if using), and diced avocado to the bowl with the beans.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice, salt, or black pepper as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut to save prep time.
- To increase variety and protein, add black beans, kidney beans, or edamame.
- Omit the feta cheese for a dairy-free version.
- If preparing ahead, add avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep, High-Protein Recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American
