Viral TikTok Dense Bean Salad Meets Italian Pesto with Crispy Halloumi

Are you ready to jump on the latest TikTok food trend that's taking the internet by storm? Say hello to the Dense Bean Salad (DBS), a protein-packed, no-lettuce meal that's perfect for busy weekdays and meal prep enthusiasts. Our gourmet version is from Halloumi and it combines the viral DBS concept with a Mediterranean twist, featuring a homemade pesto that'll make your taste buds dance!

What is a Dense Bean Salad?

Dense Bean Salads, popularized by TikTok creator Violet Witchel, are hearty, nutrient-rich salads that skip the leafy greens in favour of a bean-based foundation. Our recipe takes this concept to the next level by incorporating a variety of beans, crispy halloumi, and a zesty homemade pesto.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Protein-Packed: With chickpeas, white beans, and halloumi, this salad is a vegetarian protein powerhouse.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste or what's in your pantry.

Tips for the Perfect Dense Bean Salad

• Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• For meal prep, store the crispy chickpeas and halloumi separately to maintain their texture.
• Experiment with different beans or add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for variety.

This Gourmet Dense Bean Salad with Homemade Pesto is more than just a TikTok trend – it's a delicious, nutritious meal that's sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this DBS proves that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly tasty. Give it a try and join the Dense Bean Salad revolution!

INGREDIENTS

Pesto

• 1½ Tbsp pine nuts
• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• 3 ½ Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Salad

• ½ lb (250 g) cooked chickpeas
• 5 oz (150 g) spinach leaves
• ½ lb (250 g) cooked white beans
• 1 lb (500 g) green beans
• 1 (200 g / 7 oz) block halloumi

RECIPE

1. Mix all the pesto ingredients together using a blender. Season with oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. First, roast your chickpeas in the oven. Turn the oven to 400°F fan, toss the chickpeas in a bit of olive oil, and place them in the oven for about 25 minutes. If you want to add more flavor, sprinkle some paprika on top before roasting.
3. Rinse the spinach leaves and white beans and place both in a bowl.
4. In a pot, boil your green beans in lightly salted water for around 3 minutes.
5. Cut the halloumi into chunks as big or small as you’d like. Fry them in a pan until golden brown and crispy.
6. Meanwhile, mix the other ingredients (except for the chickpeas) in with the pesto.
7. Once the halloumi is ready, serve it on top of the salad along with the crispy chickpeas and enjoy!

Recipe excerpted from Halloumi by Rasmus Zepernick, translated by Camilla Pedersen. Copyright Recipes © 2022 by Rasmus Zepernick, English translation © 2024 by Camilla Pedersen.