Dense Bean & Pastina Salad

This dense bean salad is packed with protein, briny and herbaceous flavors, and just the right amount of chew—perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch on the go.

Dense Bean & Pastina Salad

Created in partnership with Senza

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free pastina (or other small GF pasta)

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh curly parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1/3 cup crumbled feta (optional)

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds

Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced red onions in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness. Drain and pat dry.

2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free pastina according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, soaked onions, curly parsley, mint, and dill. Add the cooked pastina.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

6. Top with crumbled feta (if using) and toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

xx,

Lauren (Hodgen)

Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio

Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director

If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊

Lauren Hodgen is a passionate food enthusiast and the creative mind behind Citrus Diaries Studio. Since 2018, she has shared her journey of wellness and healing through food, exploring how mindful eating can transform both body and soul. Lauren’s love for wholesome, nourishing ingredients is at the heart of her work, which is designed to inspire others to embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. Based in Columbus, OH, she creates from the belief that food is not just fuel, but a way to connect with ourselves and the world around us.