Beans Salad Recipe Vegetarian​

Here’s a delicious and easy Vegetarian Bean Salad recipe that you can prepare quickly, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a nutritious meal prep option.

Vegetarian Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 15 ounces Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ⅛ cup water
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Combine the Beans: In a large bowl, combine the Cannellini beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
2. Add Vegetables: Dice the red onion, celery, and red bell pepper, then add them to the bowl with the beans.
3. Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and dill. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, water, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
5. Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the bean salad and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Enjoy your bean salad chilled or at room temperature!

Tips:

• Feel free to substitute any beans you prefer or have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans.
• This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For added flavor, consider adding diced avocado or corn for sweetness.

Here are some creative ideas and answers to your questions about serving and enhancing your vegetarian bean salad:

Creative Ways to Serve Bean Salad

1. In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the bean salad in large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
2. As a Dip: Use it as a dip with tortilla chips or veggie sticks for a fun appetizer.
3. Stuffed Avocado: Halve avocados and fill them with the bean salad for a nutritious and visually appealing dish.
4. Grain Bowls: Serve the bean salad over quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal.
5. Taco Filling: Use the salad as a filling for tacos or burritos, adding some salsa and avocado.

Making Salad in Bulk for a Potluck

Yes, this bean salad is perfect for making in bulk! Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it ideal for potlucks or gatherings.

Making the Salad More Colorful

To enhance the color of your bean salad:

• Add Colorful Bell Peppers: Use red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for vibrant hues.
• Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add bright color and freshness.
• Include Corn: Sweet corn adds a sunny yellow shade.
• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley not only adds color but also flavor.

Good Side Dishes to Pair With Bean Salad

1. Grilled Vegetables: Complement the salad with a side of grilled veggies.
2. Cornbread: A slice of cornbread pairs nicely with the flavors of the salad.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast.
4. Rice Dishes: Serve alongside seasoned rice or pilaf for a complete meal.

Using Canned Beans Instead of Cooked Beans

Yes, you can absolutely use canned beans instead of cooking dried beans! Canned beans are convenient and save time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium content and improve flavor before adding them to your salad.

These tips will help you create a delicious and visually appealing vegetarian bean salad that is perfect for any occasion!

This vegetarian bean salad is not only colorful and tasty but also packed with protein and fiber! Enjoy this versatile dish as a side or a main course!