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Caprese bean salad topped with cherry tomatoes, baked zucchini, fresh mozzarella and basil with a balsamic glaze drizzled on top.

Caprese Pesto Dense Bean Salad

Easy meal prep lunch that is also delicious! Fresh basil and balsamic glaze drizzled on top takes it to the next level!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 can great northern beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups cooked zucchini about 3 zucchini
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
  • ½ cup fresh basil chopped
  • balsamic glaze for topping
Pesto Dressing
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • fresh cracked pepper

Method
 

  1. First, drain and rinse all of the beans. I like to put them all in a big strainer, rinse well and let them drain in the sink while I prep the other ingredients. I hate a soggy wet bean salad, so this helps a ton!
  2. Preheat the oven to 425℉. On a foil lined baking sheet add the cut up zucchini.I like mine to be small so that it fits in your bite with the rest of the bean salad. Place zucchini on the pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle of salt. Optional: sprinkle 1 tsp italian seasoning on zucchini. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring half way through. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
  3. While the zucchini cooks chop the rest of the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes in half, and chop the fresh basil.
  4. Now let's make the dressing! This is the money maker right here. In a bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, pesto, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, cayenne, and fresh cracked pepper.
  5. Assemble! Add the drained beans to a large bowl. Add in the zucchini, tomatoes, basil, and dressing. Mix well until everything is coated in the dressing.
  6. To serve, add bean salad to a bowl. Top with a few slices of fresh mozzarella, drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy!