Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Meal

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken. This hearty dish combines the warm, spiced flavors of roasted chicken with the satisfying bite of beans and fresh herbs, making it both nourishing and utterly delightful. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or a vibrant dinner, this salad shines with its colorful ingredients and lively combination of textures.

What is Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken?

The Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken is a hearty dish that brings together roasted chicken thighs, a variety of beans, and fresh herbs. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a deliciously filling meal. The surprising element? The combination of beans offers a unique texture that pairs beautifully with the roasted chicken, resulting in a salad that feels indulgently rich without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll absolutely adore this recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you roast your chicken at home or opt for a speedy rotisserie option, this dish comes together in no time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! With common pantry staples like beans and herbs, you can whip up a delightful meal without breaking the bank.

Not to mention, it’s versatile! Feel free to switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences, making it an adaptable go-to for any occasion. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making this Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken is a breeze! You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and a whisk. The entire process takes about 40 minutes, including chicken roasting time, and results in a flavorful, hearty salad that serves as a complete meal.

Ingredients

• . 4 ras el hanout roasted chicken thighs, cubed (or rotisserie chicken)
• . 1 shallot, diced
• . 1/2 cup cilantro, minced
• . 1/2 cup parsley, minced
• . 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
• . 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• . 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• . Optional: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• . 1/4 cup harissa
• . 1 garlic clove, grated
• . 1/2 cup lemon juice
• . 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Roast the chicken thighs using your preferred method or purchase rotisserie chicken and cube it.
2. While the chicken is cooking, mince the cilantro, parsley, and shallot, then dice the roasted red peppers.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa, grated garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until everything is well combined.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the bowl along with the cilantro, parsley, shallot, roasted red peppers, garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Toss all the ingredients together with the dressing and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the fridge for several days.

What to Serve with Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken

This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of warm crusty bread or pita. For a complete meal experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or a light soup, like tomato basil. A crisp Chardonnay or a sparkling water with lemon can enhance your dining experience beautifully, complementing the fresh flavors of the Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken.

Top Tips for Perfecting Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken

1. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning as you go. Add more harissa for extra heat or more lemon juice for brightness.
2. Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they elevate the dish’s flavor and add a wonderful aroma.
3. Use Leftover Chicken: This is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken from a roast. Just cube it up and mix!
4. Mix and Match Beans: Feel free to swap in your favorite beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for variety.
5. Serving Temperature: This salad is delicious cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
6. Make Ahead: Enjoy the flavors even more by making it ahead of time. The salad will taste better as the ingredients meld together.
7. Nutty Additions: Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and nutrition boost.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the salad, keep in mind that fresh herbs might not retain their texture, so it’s best to freeze only the chicken and beans separately. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just serve them chilled or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat unless you prefer it warm.

FAQs

Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken

A hearty salad featuring roasted chicken thighs and a variety of beans, enhanced with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces ras el hanout roasted chicken thighs, cubed (or rotisserie chicken) Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
• 1 piece shallot, diced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, minced Fresh herbs are key for flavor.
• 1/2 cup parsley, minced Can substitute with other fresh herbs.
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed Any kind of canned beans can be used.
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Omit for a vegan option.
• 1/4 cup harissa Adjust to taste for spice level.
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Roast the chicken thighs using your preferred method or purchase rotisserie chicken and cube it.
2. While the chicken is cooking, mince the cilantro, parsley, and shallot, then dice the roasted red peppers.

Mixing

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa, grated garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until everything is well combined.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the bowl along with the cilantro, parsley, shallot, roasted red peppers, garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, and feta cheese (if using).
3. Toss all the ingredients together with the dressing and enjoy!

Notes

This salad is delicious cold or at room temperature, perfect for meal prep or picnics. Use leftover chicken for convenience.

This Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey that’s quick, easy, and bursting with vibrant tastes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy dinner or impress guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to deliver. Why not whip up this delicious salad soon? You won’t be disappointed!

Here’s the More Resources section in clean, copy-paste list format for your article:
Dense Bean Salad with Roasted Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Meal

More Resources

• Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
• Greek Bean Salad (Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Mediterranean Recipe)
• White Bean Salad – Easy Fresh Mediterranean Recipe
• Easy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
• The Ultimate Guide to Bean Salad: 15+ Healthy, Flavorful Recipes
• Mediterranean Diet – Wikipedia
• Chicken Nutrition – USDA FoodData Central
• Beans and Legumes – MedlinePlus