Description
Bean salads have a long history across Mediterranean, Latin American, and Southern American culinary cultures. Historically, combining preserved legumes with cured or smoked meats allowed cooks to prepare filling, highly nutritious meals using simple pantry staples. Mediterranean bean salads relied heavily on olive oil, fresh citrus, and local herbs to dress whatever legumes were available.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the beans: Place the chickpeas, cannellini beans, and kidney beans in a large bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: Add the warm or cooled turkey sausage to the bean mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until well coated.
- Add feta: Sprinkle with feta cheese, if using.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also add avocado, corn, or fresh herbs for extra freshness and texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 390 kcal
Keywords: turkey sausage bean salad, smoky turkey sausage and bean salad, hearty bean salad with turkey sausage