TikTok loves a good food trend, and the latest culinary dish of choice is the dense bean salad (or DBS for Violet Witchel fans in the know).
Beans are a powerhouse food, packing tons of filling fiber and protein into a tiny package with plenty of umami flavor. Diverse and versatile, there are as many ways to prepare beans as there are varieties, making them a great staple food for anyone on a plant-based diet.
The beauty of the dense bean salad is its make-ahead simplicity combined with an affordable price tag. Creator Violet Witchel’s dense bean salad recipes are quick and easy to make as a part of weekly meal prep. Eat them straight out of the bowl like a typical salad, put them in a pita pocket for a no-fuss lunch, or integrate them into chilis or pastas to add some bulk and nutrition to dinners.
Just published this month, The Bean Book is the perfect title to add to your assort to hop on the trend. ATK’s The Complete Beans and Grains Cookbook is another great pick with over 450 recipes highlighting the humble bean. Check out some more of our favorite books featuring beans, salads, and other plant-based recipes down below!
