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caesar dense bean salad with two types of beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and homemade high protein caesar dressing

Caesar Dense Bean Salad

5 from 1 vote
If you love a classic caesar salad, you have to try this caesar dense bean salad. All the same flavors, way more protein and fiber, and it's perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings : 6 servings

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Ingredients

Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing
  • ¾ cup greek yogurt
  • 2 finely grated garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice, about 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • salt, to taste
Bean Salad
  • 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups precooked diced chicken breast, (optional) *included in nutrition info
Toasted Breadcrumbs (or use store-bought croutons)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • pinch of salt
US Customary - Metric
Start Cooking

Instructions
 

  1. Make the dressing
    Whisk together ¾ cup greek yogurt, 2 finely grated garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp anchovy paste (if using), 3 tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste. Set aside in the fridge while you prep everything else.
    Homemade greek yogurt caesar dressing whisked until smooth
  2. Make the toasted breadcrumbs
    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast until golden browl. Add 1 tsp garlic powder and set aside.
    Or skip this step and use store bought croutons.
    Toasted panko breadcrumbs golden brown in a skillet
  3. Assemble the salad
    Add the 2 cans cannellini beans, 1 cans chickpeas, 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 large cucumber (diced), ½ red onion (thinly sliced), and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese to a large bowl.
    Pour the dressing over everything and toss until well coated. Fold in the 3 cups precooked diced chicken breast if using.
    Divide into 6 meal prep containers. Store breadcrumbs separately in a small bag or container. Top just before eating.
    Greek yogurt caesar dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 42gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 955mgPotassium: 575mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 344IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 289mgIron: 6mg

Notes

  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add breadcrumbs right before eating.
  • Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken is the easiest grab-and-go option. You can also pan-sear chicken breasts (season with salt and pepper, cook 6 to 7 minutes per side over medium-high heat, let cool, then dice) or bake at 400°F for 20 to 22 minutes. Cook ahead of time and let it cool completely before adding to the salad.
  • If you want to keep it vegetarian, skip the chicken and the anchovy paste. Still has a solid amount of protein from the beans, greek yogurt dressing, and parm.