Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Tuscan Bean Toss

I say toss because literally you can toss this baby together in under fifteen minutes. I am always making salads like this in the summer but I am totally bored with the classic Mexican style bean salad with black beans, corn, cilantro... ah, you know.  Not that it is bad mind you, I just wanted to change it up a bit.

I am not being compensated for promoting Penzey's here but I had this as a sample when I ordered a bunch of spices.  I have to say that it is one of the best tasting Italian spice mixes I have ever had.  Certainly though you can substitute with your own spices or throw in a bunch of fresh herbs.  Either would be fantastic as well.

This is one of the better salads I have come up with and wanted to share it with you.  I have made others that I have not been supremely happy with, (I keep those to myself). This one, however, is worth trying!

When it is tomato season I will toss some fresh tomatoes in this salad as well. I can not wait!

Tuscan Bean Toss

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 sweet vidalia onion, minced
8 basil leaves, chiffonade
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon Penzey's Tuscan Spice Mix (if you don't have Penzey's spice mix, use this combination)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon anchovy paste or two fillets mashed
1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
salt and black pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  How easy is that!

*While I very much promote using dried beans because they are way more economical and healthier than canned, sometimes I go the canned way.  Most especially when there is a heat wave.  The last thing I want to do is turn the flames on to cook beans. 

9 comments:

chow and chatter said...

Oh this is great and so healthy nice to have more bean salad recipes thanks

Anonymous said...

Your bean salad looks like just the right thing for this kind of weather. Now, if I can just abandon my air conditioned room and make it to Whole Foods...

grace said...

i love bean dishes. hot or cold, easy or complex, fresh or leftover. whatever. this looks scrumptious!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This really does look appealing, Lori. It's a perfect dish for the dog days of summer. Hope all is well. Blessings...Maryg

Anonymous said...

Looks divine! What would be a suitable subsitute for the anchovies for vegetarians? Thanks!

PJ said...

i always buy penzy's spices and this Tuscan spice blend has been looking tempting for a while now.. the salad looks delicious!

Lori said...

Magicchildhood- You can omit the anchovies altogether. If you want another layer of flavor you could try some grilled vegetables for some smokiness.

kat said...

Sounds like a tasty bean salad. We love Penzey's too & feel lucky to have on in town we can shop at

suzybel56 said...

I love bean salads, any kind of bean salad, this one definitely.