Save I stumbled onto this salad during a particularly restless week when I was scrolling through wellness threads at 2 a.m. Someone mentioned tart cherry juice as a sleep aid, and I had a pantry full of canned beans begging to be used. The idea of combining the two felt odd at first, but once I tossed everything together and took that first bite, the tartness cut through the earthiness of the beans in a way that felt both bright and grounding. It became my go-to whenever I needed something filling that wouldn't keep me up at night.
The first time I brought this to a potluck, my friend Sam eyed it suspiciously and asked if I'd put dessert in a salad. After one forkful, she went quiet, then asked for the recipe before she even finished her plate. We ended up sitting on her porch with bowls of it, talking until the fireflies came out, and she later texted me that she slept better that night than she had in weeks.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas, cannellini beans, and kidney beans: This trio gives you a hearty base with different textures and flavors, and the protein keeps you full without that sluggish feeling before bed.
- Cherry tomatoes: They add little bursts of sweetness and juice that balance the earthiness of the beans.
- Cucumber: The crunch and coolness make every bite feel refreshing, and it lightens the whole bowl.
- Red onion: A small amount brings a sharp bite that mellows beautifully once the dressing soaks in.
- Fresh parsley and dill: These herbs make the salad taste alive and garden-fresh, even if everything else came from a can.
- Tart cherry juice: This is the star of the dressing, giving it a unique tangy-sweet flavor that also happens to support better sleep.
- Extra virgin olive oil: It smooths out the tartness and helps the dressing cling to every bean and veggie.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a secondary layer of acidity that makes the flavors pop.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just a touch to round out the tartness without making it sugary.
- Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle depth that ties everything together.
- Feta cheese (optional): Creamy, salty, and the perfect contrast to the bright dressing.
- Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds (optional): A little crunch on top makes it feel complete and adds healthy fats.
Instructions
- Combine the salad base:
- In a large bowl, toss together all three types of beans with the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill. The colors alone will make you feel like you're doing something good for yourself.
- Whisk the Sleepy Girl dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the tart cherry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, then whisk or shake until it looks glossy and unified. The dressing should taste tangy with a hint of sweetness.
- Dress and toss:
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently, making sure every ingredient gets coated. You'll notice the dressing clings to the beans and pools around the cucumbers in the best way.
- Adjust and taste:
- Give it a quick taste and add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if you want. This is your moment to make it yours.
- Add toppings and serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with feta and toasted nuts or seeds if you're using them. Serve right away, or let it chill in the fridge for half an hour so the flavors can settle in together.
Save One evening, I made a big batch of this salad and ate it on my back steps while the sun went down. The dressing tasted like summer and something medicinal at the same time, and I realized I wasn't checking my phone or thinking about my to-do list. It was just me, the bowl, and the quiet, and I slept like a stone that night.
How to Make It Your Own
You can swap in black beans or navy beans depending on what you have, and the salad will still hold up beautifully. If you want more crunch, diced celery or bell pepper works wonders, and a handful of arugula or spinach can turn this into a full meal bowl. I've also added leftover roasted sweet potato when I had it, and the sweetness played off the tart cherry dressing in a way that surprised me.
Storing and Serving Tips
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, though the cucumbers and tomatoes will soften over time. If you plan to meal prep it, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating. It's great cold straight from the fridge, but you can also let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes to take the chill off.
What to Pair It With
I like to serve this alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner, or I'll eat it on its own with a piece of crusty bread for scooping. If you really want to lean into the Sleepy Girl theme, pour yourself a glass of chilled tart cherry juice with a splash of sparkling water and a sprig of mint.
- Try it with a warm pita or naan for a more substantial meal.
- Add a dollop of hummus on the side for extra creaminess and protein.
- Garnish with a few lemon wedges so everyone can adjust the brightness to their liking.
Save This salad has become my answer to those nights when I need to eat something real but don't want to feel weighed down. It's simple, it's honest, and it works.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of beans are used?
Chickpeas, cannellini beans, and kidney beans are combined to provide a hearty protein base.
- → How is the tart cherry dressing made?
The dressing blends tart cherry juice with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a fully vegan version.
- → What are some topping options?
Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds add crunch, and crumbled feta adds creaminess if desired.
- → How should the salad be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a couple of days for optimal freshness.