10+ Bean Salad Recipes to Freshen Up Your Meals

Bean salads are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. These salads are easy to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a simple meal at home. With many variations available, you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste.

Whether you prefer a classic bean salad or something more adventurous, there’s a recipe for everyone. Get ready to explore some tasty combinations that will satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling great!

1) Classic Three Bean Salad

Classic three bean salad is a tasty and healthy dish. You can enjoy it as a side or a light meal. This salad combines different beans for a nutritious boost.

To make it, start with green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans. You can also add some chopped red onion and bell pepper for flavor. The dressing usually includes olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of sugar.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green beans
• 1 cup kidney beans
• 1 cup garbanzo beans
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and chop the green beans into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2) Mediterranean Bean Salad

Mediterranean bean salad is a fresh and colorful dish. It combines several types of beans with vibrant vegetables and herbs. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

To make it, you will need canned beans like chickpeas, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers add crunch. A simple vinaigrette made with lemon juice and olive oil ties everything together.

It’s healthy and packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, kidney beans, and cannellini beans.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Add the fresh herbs and mix.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.

3) Southwest Bean Salad

Southwest Bean Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that combines various beans and fresh vegetables. This salad is perfect for a potluck or a quick meal prep.

Start with canned black beans and chickpeas for protein. Add corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions for crunch and flavor. You can even include avocado for creaminess.

For the dressing, mix lime juice, olive oil, and spices to give it a zesty kick. Toss everything together and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, chickpeas, corn, tomatoes, and onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently.
4. Add diced avocado just before serving. Enjoy!

4) Garbanzo and Kidney Bean Mix

This Garbanzo and Kidney Bean Mix is a tasty and healthy option for your next meal. Combining chickpeas and kidney beans creates a filling salad that’s packed with protein and fiber.

You can add fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for extra crunch. Toss it all together with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main meal. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing option.

Ingredients

• 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup cucumber, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the garbanzo beans and kidney beans.
2. Add the chopped bell pepper and cucumber.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mix and stir gently.
5. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

5) Citrus Bean Delight

Citrus Bean Delight is a bright and refreshing dish that combines beans with fruity flavors. This salad is great for a light lunch or a side at dinner.

You can use black beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans for a variety of textures. The citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, add a sweet and tangy taste.

To make it even more delicious, you can sprinkle in some chopped red onion and fresh herbs. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor to each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley), chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the beans.
2. Add the grapefruit and orange sections.
3. Stir in the chopped red onion.
4. Toss in the fresh herbs and mix gently.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Tangy Dijon Bean Medley

This Tangy Dijon Bean Medley is a simple and flavorful dish. You will enjoy the combination of different beans tossed in a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side for any meal.

Start by gathering your favorite canned beans. You can use kidney beans, chickpeas, and black beans. The mix creates a colorful and nutritious salad.

The dressing features Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, giving it a delightful tang. Toss everything together for a fresh and vibrant dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the beans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon, olive oil, and vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the beans and mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

7) Colorful Picnic Bean Salad

A Colorful Picnic Bean Salad is a fun and vibrant dish. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even just a sunny day at the park. The combination of different beans gives it a great texture and flavor.

You can use kidney beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans for a mix of colors and nutrients. Add in some diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for extra crunch and brightness.

A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper ties everything together. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy!

Ingredients

• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the beans.
2. Add the bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
5. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8) Zesty Garlic Bean Bowl

This Zesty Garlic Bean Bowl is packed with flavor and nutrition. You will love the combination of beans and fresh garlic, making it a delightful dish. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Start with your favorite beans, like black beans and garbanzo beans. You can roast some garlic for an extra punch of flavor. Adding fresh herbs like parsley gives it a nice pop!

Dress the salad with a light vinaigrette for a zesty touch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

9) Herbed Cannellini Bean Combo

This Herbed Cannellini Bean Combo is fresh, tasty, and easy to make. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. You’ll love how the herbs brighten the creamy beans.

Start by rinsing and draining a can of cannellini beans.

In a bowl, mix in chopped parsley, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Add a splash of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Toss everything gently to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy with crusty bread or on a bed of greens!

Ingredients

• 1 can cannellini beans
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans.
2. In a bowl, mix beans with parsley, basil, and lemon juice.
3. Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine.
5. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

10) Sweet and Tangy Bean Treat

This sweet and tangy bean salad is a delightful mix of flavors. You’ll combine several types of beans with fresh veggies for a colorful dish. It’s great for picnics or as a side at dinner.

Start by mixing green beans, kidney beans, wax beans, and corn.

Add in sweet peas, celery, onion, cucumber, and green bell pepper for extra crunch. The dressing is made with vinegar, sugar, and a hint of mustard for a tangy kick.

This salad is not just tasty but also packed with protein and fiber. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!

Ingredients

• 1 can green beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can wax beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup sweet peas
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse all the canned beans.
2. In a large bowl, mix the beans and corn. Also, add the sweet peas, celery, onion, cucumber, and green bell pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and mustard.
4. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.