Salad

The internet is buzzing with dense bean salads right now. After some Tik Tok investigation, I was surprised to learn that I have been making them for years! A big, protein bomb salad that keeps in the fridge all week that I can reach for a couple of times a day keeps me alive when life gets super hectic. It gets better every day as the ingredients marinate in the dressing, too. Instead of a basic vinaigrette, I like to make my favourite Peruvian sauce/condiment for the dressing. Despite the mayo (you can use low-fat mayo), it is not heavy, it is a bit spicy, it’s tangy, and it’s pretty and delicious. You can make this salad vegan using vegan mayo and feta. It is low fat, protein rich, high fibre and dense - it will fill you up and keep you feeling full. I used a combo of white and black beans, but you can use whatever you have. Just remember to make it colourful, crunchy and deliciously beany.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant and refreshing flavours of this Cucumber Salad with Beans! Crisp English cucumbers, white pea beans, and zesty red onion unite in a medley of deliciousness. The dressing, bursting with notes of sweet, salty and sour, will take your entire meal to the next level.

Here is a lovely take on a Mexican favourite, slightly deconstructed. Lovely sauteed red kidney beans meet amazing roasted sweet potato, bathed in aromatic spices of cumin, turmeric, paprika and so much more. The mixture lays on a freshly dressed romaine with evo oil and lime juice and comes together with the addition of fresh ripe cherry tomatoes and Kalamata together with a bit of spice from tomato salsa, and sriracha mayo. You cannot have a taco of any kind without some shredded cheese and we put an Italian spin using slightly aged Asiago. Absolutely refreshing, healthy, and so delicious. So worth a try! Make it for taco Tuesday!

Warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about picnics, potlucks, and pasta salads! This recipe is loaded with tender pasta, fresh kale, creamy white beans, sun dried tomatoes, briny olives, and heaps of Parmesan and feta cheese. Tossed in a bright and garlicky basil dressing, the pasta salad tastes best after it rests in the fridge for an hour before serving, and given the sturdiness of the greens, it’s perfect for make-ahead meal planning too. Not only does the pasta salad taste delicious, it’s nutrient-dense thanks to the fibre and protein rich white beans and the superfood that is kale.

Craving a tasty, nutrient-packed meal that won't take hours to prepare? Look no further than this Turkey and White Bean Pasta recipe! With savoury ground turkey, fresh baby spinach, and a puréed white pea bean pesto sauce, this pasta uses few ingredients but is bursting with delicious flavours.

Romano bean salad with canned Mackerel, potatoes and fennel, A lovely way to close off the summer season. Lovely flavors and textures of boiled potato, Romano beans, and mackerel, play joyfully with the freshness of red onion, fennel, and parsley dressed simple with Evo oil, salt and pepper. A real healthy wonderful bright lunch meal!

It’s August in Ontario, meaning tomatoes, corn, and zucchini are at their best. This salad makes the most of our late summer harvest. We are adding crispy cranberry beans for a proteinpacked crunch that is gluten-free, low fat, and delicious flavour. These addictive beans also make a great snack. I like to throw them into a bowl with roasted nuts and dried cranberries.

Couscous is an ingredient that cooks in just five minutes, making it a great choice for a cold, make ahead salad! This Mediterranean inspired salad features white kidney beans, tomatoes, fresh basil and an easy balsamic dressing. Whip this up in just 20 minutes for any last minute summer barbecues.

The mild flavour of the couscous and black beans is punctuated by roasted sweet potato, kale, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and red onion. So many healthful and delicious ingredients are packed into this hearty salad. It's a super food city!