Impress your family and friends with a delectable bean salad that’s perfect for any gathering. Bean salads are incredibly adaptable, making them suitable for various occasions. With numerous variations globally, it’s no surprise they’re a staple in many cuisines. Not only are they easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and mouthwatering, but they can also be stored in the fridge for days, making them ideal for vegan meal prepping and gluten-free options.
Canned beans make preparation effortless, as they’ve already been cooked. Alternatively, cooking dry beans at home is a breeze with a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Our collection of bean salad recipes is so delicious you’ll want to make them repeatedly. If you’re drawn to unique flavors with added crunch and creaminess, be sure to check out our Rainbow Bean Salad and Southwest Black Bean Salad With Citrus Dressing.
And for those who crave something new, recipe #25 will surprise you with its mouthwatering twist. Start cooking now!
Three Bean Salad
Summer’s simplicity is showcased in the preparation and enjoyment of straightforward salads such as the iconic Three Bean Salad. This traditional American picnic staple combines cannellini beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, with crunchy celery, sweet red onion, and fresh parsley, all bound together by a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. The beauty of this three-bean salad lies in its ease of preparation, requiring minimal ingredients commonly found in most kitchen pantries.
The classic dressing, comprising vinegar, oil, and sugar, adds depth to the dish without overpowering its natural flavors, making it a perfect side dish for any summer gathering.
Five Bean Salad With Garlicky Mustard Dressing
A quintessential Five Bean Salad, this dish shines as a side accompaniment for casual gatherings like picnics and potlucks, or even a quick weeknight meal. Its greatest advantages are its expediency, requiring mere 20 minutes to prepare, and adaptability to various occasions – it’s just as delightful when made ahead of time as it is fresh from the kitchen.
The homemade garlicky mustard dressing adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing for effortless transport without compromising flavor or texture. Moreover, this recipe can be effortlessly modified to incorporate your preferred type of bean, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Black Bean Salad With Corn, Avocado & Lime Vinaigrette
A black bean salad is a staple in many homes, and its versatility makes it perfect for various occasions. One of the greatest benefits of this salad is that it can be prepared ahead of time and only gets better with age. This quality makes it an ideal choice for parties or gatherings. Pair it with my tequila lime chicken recipe and some warm cornbread for a delightful Southwestern-inspired meal.
Alternatively, use it as a dip for crunchy tortilla chips or create some mouthwatering chicken quesadillas to serve as an appetizer.
Balsamic Green Bean Salad
Elevate your mealtime experience with this innovative green bean salad recipe. The tangy flavor and satisfying crunch of balsamic green beans make them an ideal addition to any special occasion or holiday gathering. This versatile side dish also pairs perfectly with your favorite spaghetti dishes.
And, for added convenience, a simple pro tip ensures quick and efficient trimming of the green beans: Gather the bunch in one pile, then use a chef’s knife to swiftly slice off the ends with a single motion.
Fresh Black Bean Salad
Inspired by an old salsa recipe, this Southwestern-inspired black bean salad takes the classic concept to new heights. The foundation of this flavorful dish lies in its use of black beans, making it incredibly easy to prepare using canned beans. This versatile bean salad is perfect for chaotic periods when you need a quick and reliable option, or for gatherings of all kinds where it can serve as both a delicious dish and a tasty dip for tortilla chips.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
Enliven your summer gatherings with a refreshing Mediterranean Bean Salad that’s as vibrant as it is easy to prepare. This colorful salad combines the crunch of bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, and tender beans for a delightful treat. The tangy zip comes from a medley of briny ingredients: black olives, pimento-stuffed green olives, and pickled peppadew peppers, while feta cheese adds a creamy richness and marinated artichokes provide a savory depth.
Bean & Chickpea Salad
When it comes to outdoor gatherings like barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, you can’t go wrong with this Bean & Chickpea Salad. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but its bold flavors are sure to impress. In fact, after your family and friends take a bite, they’ll likely be begging for the recipe. To create this tasty salad, start by whisking together garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper in a large bowl.
Once you’ve got that flavorful base mixed up, simply stir in the chickpeas, parsley, and beans. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Mexican Black Bean & Corn Salad
For those who follow a vegan lifestyle and meat-lovers alike, this delightful salad is sure to please. The combination of black beans and corn creates a satisfying base that’s both nutritious and flavorful. A medley of fresh ingredients – including creamy avocado, sweet red bell peppers, fragrant cilantro, and zesty lime juice – come together to form a wholesome and filling meal or side dish.
When preparing in advance, be sure to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from turning brown.
Kidney Bean & Chickpea Salad
This effortless recipe boasts a mere 5 ingredients and requires under 10 minutes of preparation time. The star-studded cast includes chickpeas, red kidney beans, wine vinegar, olive oil, and pungent garlic. While fresh parsley, salt, and pepper are optional, they add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to the dish. The striking crimson hue of the kidney beans is sure to captivate your guests, making this salad a show-stopper at any gathering.
Old-Fashioned Red Bean Salad
This delectable Red Bean Salad requires only a handful of ingredients, making it an effortless and budget-friendly option. The combination of crunchy celery and mild scallions perfectly complements the silky texture of the kidney beans. Meanwhile, the harmonious blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of granulated sugar yields a creamy dressing that’s both sweet and tangy.
Italian Green Bean Salad
Savoring this salad’s versatility, it’s surprisingly delightful regardless of whether served sizzling hot or refreshingly chilled. The pickled green beans, a testament to clever marinades, can be rebranded as such to better reflect their tangy essence. To unlock the full depth of flavor, allow the dish to mellow for at least a day; however, those seeking a more subtle taste profile may find that waiting an hour or two yields satisfactory results.
The overall satisfaction this salad provides is so profound that it’s not uncommon for diners to forgo dinner altogether. As such, it’s an excellent addition to any vegetarian-themed gathering, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.
Spicy & Tangy Four Bean Salad
A staple at many family gatherings and potlucks, this Four Bean Salad is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be prepared well in advance. The sweet and sour dressing perfectly balances the tender beans, crunchy celery, tangy red onion, and savory pimentos. This recipe’s greatest strength lies in its ability to adapt to any occasion: serve it as a main course, use it as a condiment for grilled meats like hot dogs, burgers, or chicken, or even enjoy it as a side dish.
With its make-ahead convenience, this salad is perfect for busy households and social events alike.
White Bean Salad (Piyaz)
Piyaz, the Turkish salad, is a nutrient-rich delight that combines an array of wholesome vegetables and lean navy beans. What’s more, this satisfying vegetarian meal can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick supper or hearty mezze dish. But its appeal doesn’t stop there – Piyaz also pairs beautifully with pan-fried halloumi, crispy Armenian flatbread like Lavash, and a medley of Greek olives, coming together to form a scrumptious mezze platter.
Traditionally, navy beans are the go-to choice for this salad, but feel free to substitute in any cooked white bean for a similar flavor profile.
Southwestern Black Bean & Corn Salad
This refreshing summer side dish is perfect for accompanying grilled meats and vegetables. Despite being simple in terms of ingredients, it’s incredibly flavorful when made with peak-season fresh corn and a squeeze of lime juice. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen is the way to go – avoid canned if possible. For an added kick, consider adding a spicy sauce to give it some extra oomph.
Avocado Black Bean Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the earthy taste of black beans, all tied together by a zesty lime vinaigrette. The dish is incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. Its light and revitalizing flavor profile makes it an ideal side dish for summer barbecues or taco nights. Plus, its versatility allows you to use it as a topping for tacos, stuff pita bread or tortillas, or enjoy it on its own.
The homemade lime vinaigrette is the true star of the show, offering a bold and citrusy flavor that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Rainbow Bean Salad
This vegetarian bean salad stands out from the typical cold bean salad due to its abundance of vegetables and subtle dressing. The recipe brings together three distinct types of beans – black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans – all topped with a homemade dressing that adds a delightful twist. While you can certainly customize the recipe by using your favorite or readily available beans, this combination offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Honey Mustard Three Bean Salad
Indulge in a victorious culinary experience with this delectable Honey Mustard Three Bean Salad recipe, the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors to elevate your summer gatherings. This quick-fix side dish, ready in under 30 minutes, only gets better with time. Its unique flavor profile, reminiscent of traditional three-bean salads, will have you returning for more. Pair it with a grilled steak for an unbeatable combination.
Wild Rice & Black Bean Salad
Elevate your summer meals with a refreshing Wild Rice & Black Bean Salad that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This flavorful dish combines wild rice, black beans, and maize in a tangy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on-the-go. What’s more, its versatility makes it an ideal candidate for prep-ahead convenience. Simply toss together the ingredients, drizzle with a zesty vinaigrette, and store in the fridge for a tasty treat whenever you need it.
Dilly White Bean & Cucumber Salad
In this vibrant Dilly White Bean & Cucumber Salad, the perfect harmony of textures and flavors comes together seamlessly. The crunch of fresh cucumbers and crisp vegetables is beautifully complemented by the creamy smoothness of white beans, while a generous sprinkle of fragrant dill adds a bright and refreshing touch.
The simplicity of the dressing – a mere four ingredients combining lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt – only serves to enhance the overall freshness and flavor profile of this delightful salad. This summer meal is as quick as it is easy to prepare, taking just 10 minutes to come together with its mere 9 ingredients. As such, it’s the perfect solution for a spontaneous picnic in the park or a cozy afternoon at home when the great outdoors beckons.
Lemon Basil Three Bean Salad
Transforming a flavorful Lemon Basil Three Bean Salad is a breeze. Not only can it stand on its own as a refreshing summer treat, but it’s also perfect for sharing at outdoor gatherings or serving as a light accompaniment to your favorite dishes. The beauty of this salad lies in its ability to meld flavors effortlessly – simply combine all the ingredients in one bowl, stir until they’re well combined, and let the magic unfold as the marinade does its thing.
This recipe is particularly well-suited for lazy summer days when you’d rather not heat up your kitchen or for weeknight dinners that require minimal fuss. With each bite, you can anticipate a harmonious balance of lemony zest, herbaceous freshness, and savory depth, courtesy of the clever combination of citrus, basil, and garlic.
White Bean Salad With Lemon, Garlic & Fresh Herbs
Savoring the flavors of summer, one delicious bean dish at a time. The White Bean Salad is a perfect harmony of tangy, rich, and spicy notes that will leave you wanting more. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it an ideal choice for a quick snack or a filling dinner option. The addition of fresh herbs, onions (a delightful combination of white and red), and mustard seeds adds depth to the dish, while the lemon and garlic provide a bright and zesty touch.
To take it to the next level, simply top with Kalamata olives – a match made in heaven.
Southwest Black Bean Salad With Citrus Dressing
A vibrant salad that combines the zesty brightness of citrus with the earthy goodness of black beans is a match made in heaven. To bring this dish together, a quick and easy dressing is used, blending the flavors of orange juice and lime juice. This versatile condiment can be used in a variety of ways – as a topping for your main course, a dip for chips or vegetables, or as a flavorful addition to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
For an extra kick, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. Just before serving, sprinkle on top with some freshly diced avocado to add creaminess and texture.
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
The Black Bean & Corn Salsa Salad boasts a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp ingredients that burst forth with flavor. While chopping the vegetables may be the most time-consuming aspect of this dish, it’s well worth the effort, as the payoff is a culinary delight that can be enjoyed in two versatile ways: as a salad to accompany your favorite grilled protein or as a zesty dip for tortilla chips.
Mango Black Bean Salad
When it comes to simplicity and versatility, this Mango Black Bean Salad truly excels. Its unique flavor profile pairs effortlessly with grilled poultry or fish, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of protein sources. Whether you’re planning a casual picnic or a more formal dinner gathering, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delectable taste. In fact, be prepared for high demand – it’s that good!
Potato Green Bean Salad With Olives & Peta Cheese
Indulge in the refreshing charm of this Greek-inspired potato and green bean salad. The harmonious union of potatoes and green beans creates a match made in heaven, sure to tantalize your visitors’ taste buds all summer long. With an abundance of dressing, feel free to drizzle it on as you see fit, making this dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
The bottom line
Bean salads are a staple for any occasion, serving as a reliable side dish, satisfying lunch, or even a filling entrée. Unlike their green counterparts, bean salads provide a more substantial meal experience due to the plant-based protein they offer. With countless ways to prepare a bean salad, we’ve curated a selection of recipes that cater to your needs and ensure you never have to search far for the perfect dish.
We’re confident that your friends and family will relish these bean salads just as much as we do. What’s more, their adaptability makes them perfect for any gathering or event. Our compiled recipes have got you covered!
