White Bean Pepperoni Salad

This hearty pizza bean salad has been my go-to solution for lunch meal prep and potlucks when I want something that satisfies my pizza cravings in a more nutritious form.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I wanted something that would keep well in the fridge but still excite my taste buds. Now it's requested at every summer gathering with friends who appreciate good food without fuss.

Ingredients

• Giant white beans: Provide a creamy texture and substantial protein base for this salad
• Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and fresh vegetal flavor similar to traditional pizza toppings
• Red onion: Contributes sharp flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Pepperoni: Brings authentic pizza flavor and satisfying savory notes
• Jalapeño: Provides optional heat that balances the richness of the cheese and beans
• Grape tomatoes: Burst with sweet acidity mimicking pizza sauce
• Mozzarella balls: Create those perfect cheese pulls we all love about pizza
• Fresh basil: Infuses the entire dish with aromatic Italian essence
• Garlic: In the dressing provides that essential pizza backbone flavor
• Hot honey: Balances sweetness with gentle heat for complexity
• Champagne vinegar: Brings brightness without overwhelming acidity
• Olive oil: Creates silky texture in the dressing and carries flavors
• Oregano: Delivers classic pizza herb notes throughout the salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients:

Ensure all components are prepped to similar sizes for optimal texture and flavor distribution. I like to chop the pepperoni slightly smaller than the beans so you get little bursts of flavor in each bite. The mozzarella balls should remain whole for those satisfying cheese pulls.

Create The Dressing Base:

Combine the finely chopped garlic with Dijon mustard first to allow the mustard to slightly mellow the raw garlic bite. Add hot honey next, ensuring it fully integrates before introducing the vinegar. This sequence prevents the honey from hardening when it hits cold ingredients.

Emulsify The Dressing:

Gradually whisk in olive oil in a slow stream while continuously stirring to create a perfectly emulsified dressing. This technique ensures the dressing won't separate and will coat each component evenly. The oregano should be crushed slightly between your fingers before adding to release more essential oils.

Combine And Marry Flavors:

Add your dressing to the salad ingredients and toss gently using two large spoons rather than stirring which can break down the delicate beans. Make sure to scoop from the bottom of the bowl to distribute the dressing evenly throughout all layers of the salad.

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The giant white beans are truly the star here. I discovered their perfect texture for this salad after years of using cannellini beans in other recipes. Their substantial size provides a satisfying bite that makes this feel like a complete meal rather than just a side dish.

Make Ahead Magic

This salad actually improves with time as flavors meld together in the refrigerator. If preparing ahead, I recommend reserving half the fresh basil to add just before serving for a bright flavor boost. The beans will absorb more of the dressing overnight, creating an even more flavorful experience the next day. For best results, prepare this salad at least two hours before serving.

Customization Options

The beauty of this pizza bean salad lies in its adaptability. Vegetarians can skip the pepperoni and add olives for similar salty satisfaction. For a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with a firm tofu marinated in nutritional yeast and herbs. Spice lovers might add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy soppressata instead of pepperoni. Those seeking additional vegetables could incorporate artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for more pizza inspired flavors.

Serving Suggestions

While perfectly satisfying on its own, this salad pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of garlic bread for the ultimate pizza experience. For a lighter meal, serve atop a bed of arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil. At summer gatherings, I place this alongside grilled items where it provides a substantial option for guests seeking something beyond typical cookout fare.

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This salad is a celebration of pizza flavors with a nutritious twist, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of beans in this salad?

Absolutely! While giant white beans (like corona or cannellini) provide a wonderful texture, you can substitute with navy beans, chickpeas, or even kidney beans depending on what you have available. Just ensure they're fully cooked and well-drained.

→ What can I use instead of champagne vinegar in the dressing?

If champagne vinegar isn't available, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make excellent substitutes. Red wine vinegar will work too, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile. The key is to maintain that acidic component that brightens the dressing.

→ How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the beans absorb the dressing. If making ahead, you might consider adding the basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

To make this vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or olives to maintain that robust pizza-inspired flavor profile. You could also include plant-based pepperoni alternatives if desired.

→ What can I serve with this bean salad?

This hearty salad works beautifully as a standalone meal, but also pairs well with crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad. For a larger meal, it complements grilled chicken, Italian sausages, or a classic minestrone soup.

→ How can I make this salad spicier?

For additional heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or leave the seeds in. You can also add more crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing or finish the salad with a drizzle of spicy olive oil. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the dressing would work well too.