5 Delicious Bean Salad Recipes You'll Love

Instructions:

1. Combine the beans in a large bowl.
2. Add the red onion and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the vinegar, oil, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the beans and mix well.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Notes:

🍃 Note: This salad can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavor.

Recipe 2: Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Bring a touch of zest to your dining table with this flavorful Southwestern-inspired salad.

• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. In another bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the dressing to the salad and mix thoroughly.
4. Refrigerate for an hour. Add avocado before serving to prevent browning.

Recipe 3: Mediterranean White Bean Salad

The Mediterranean diet's influence shines through this fresh, herby, and flavorful bean salad.

• 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine beans, tomatoes, olives, red onion, basil, and feta in a large bowl.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently.
4. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Recipe 4: Sweet and Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Salad

This recipe introduces the Southern staple, black-eyed peas, with a twist of sweet and spice.

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup scallions, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix black-eyed peas, bell pepper, scallions, and parsley in a bowl.
2. For the dressing, combine honey, vinegar, mustard, chili flakes, oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine with the bean mixture, and chill before serving.

Recipe 5: Chickpea and Quinoa Bean Salad

Chickpeas and quinoa create a protein-rich powerhouse in this fiber-loaded salad.

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix chickpeas, quinoa, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and mint in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the dressing to the salad, toss well, and refrigerate.

This final recipe combines chickpeas with quinoa, a perfect companion for making a salad that not only satisfies hunger but also provides sustained energy and nutrition.

Can I make these bean salads ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these bean salads can be made ahead of time. For the best taste, prepare them at least a couple of hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Add avocado or other delicate ingredients just before serving to preserve their freshness.

How long will these salads last in the fridge?

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Stored properly in an airtight container, these salads can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. However, note that the texture might change over time due to the moisture from the dressing.

Are there any vegan options among these recipes?

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Absolutely! The Southwestern Black Bean Salad and Chickpea and Quinoa Salad are naturally vegan. Simply omit or replace non-vegan ingredients like cheese or honey in other recipes with vegan alternatives.