Jim Dixon, the founder of Wellspent Market, has a passion for good food and easy recipes. He often shares his love for cooking simple meals with basic ingredients.
Recently, I stumbled upon a TikTok trend called the Dense Bean Salad (DBS). It’s surprising since I’ve never watched a TikTok video. This trend began with Violet Witchel, an influencer who, after being diagnosed with celiac disease, started making her own meals. She combined canned beans, veggies, protein, and dressing to create the DBS.
While I appreciate the buzz around beans, I have a few concerns. First, using canned beans is convenient but lacks the flavor of dried beans. Dried beans, cooked with just water and salt, create a rich broth that enhances the dish. Canned beans, while quick, need a good rinse to remove excess liquid.
Another point is that many of the recipes for DBS aren’t very unique. People have been enjoying bean salads for centuries, long before the introduction of New World beans like pintos and cannellini. So, while the name sounds fancy, it’s essentially a classic dish rebranded.
Now, let’s dive into a simple recipe:
Dense Bean Salad Recipe
- 2 cups cooked white beans (I recommend cannellini, but any white bean will work)
- 2 cups arugula, chopped
- 2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced (with leaves, if possible)
- 1 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust the salt or vinegar as needed.
- Serve at room temperature.
This salad is a great way to enjoy beans and can be customized with different ingredients. Plus, beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
It’s interesting to see how food trends can bring attention to healthy eating, even as traditional dishes get modern twists. So, whether you call it Dense Bean Salad or something else, it’s a wonderful way to embrace the leguminati spirit!
