Ingredients
Beans and Base
- 2 (15-oz.) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Salad Mix
- 4 cups julienned carrots (matchstick style)
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 6 green onions, cut into 1-inch strips
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Beans: Place the drained and rinsed great northern beans into a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Heat Beans: Microwave the seasoned beans on high for 90 seconds. After heating, toss the beans gently and set aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad components.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the julienned carrots, raisins, sunflower seeds, green onions, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a mason jar or small container, add Dijon mustard, honey, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Combine Beans with Salad: Add the cooled beans along with their seasoned oil mixture into the salad bowl with the carrot mixture. Gently fold the beans into the salad to combine without mashing them.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle about half of the prepared honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste the salad and add additional dressing as preferred.
- Finish with Blue Cheese: Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the top of the salad for a tangy and creamy finishing touch.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness or place it in the refrigerator to chill if you prefer it cold.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese crumbles with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
- The salad can be prepared in advance; just wait to add the blue cheese until serving to keep it fresh.
- Julienne carrots by using a mandoline or a sharp knife for consistent matchstick size.
- For a vegan version, omit the blue cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: French
