Lunch Recipes
Chili & Lime Dense Bean Salad
This hearty, veggie-forward salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and fresh! Packed with pinto and garbanzo beans, plus whatever veggies you have on hand, it’s the kind of dish that only gets better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. Ham adds savory saltiness and cotija cheese brings a creamy, flavorful kick. Inspired by the trending “dense bean salad” from TikTok, it’s simple, budget-friendly, and so easy to throw together—no cooking required.
Serves: 4 to 6
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Lunch
Chili & Lime Dense Bean Salad
Ingredients
2 cans (24 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (12 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (12 oz) diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 ½ cups diced cucumber
1 small red onion, small diced
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
½ pound diced smoked deli ham
Zest and juice of 2 limes
¼ cup Gelson’s 100% California extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp Gelson’s Chili Powder
2 tsp Gelson’s Garlic Powder
1 tsp Gelson’s Cumin
Kosher salt, to taste
Crumbled cotija cheese, for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl combine the pinto beans, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, diced cucumber, red onion, green onions, cilantro, diced ham, lime zest and juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Season with salt and toss to combine.
- Transfer the salad to a large container. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 3 days before serving. Garnish with cotija when serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.