Easy 5-Bean Salad: A Fresh and Healthy Side Dish

Looking for a versatile and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners? This 5-Bean Salad combines a variety of beans with a tangy dressing to create a vibrant, protein-packed side dish. I found this recipe on Chef Maniac, and it’s so easy and delicious that you’ll want to make it again and again!


What Makes 5-Bean Salad Special?

This salad is a medley of textures and flavors: tender beans, crisp veggies, and a zippy vinaigrette that ties everything together. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.


5-Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:
    • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
    • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
    • 1 can (15 oz) wax beans, drained
    • 1/2 cup diced red onion
    • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • For the Dressing:
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey for a natural option)
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beans and Vegetables:
    • Combine all the beans, red onion, and green bell pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Combine and Toss:
    • Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill and Serve:
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Servings: 8

  • Calories: 200 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 5g

Tips for Perfect 5-Bean Salad

  • Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
  • Customizable: Swap in your favorite beans, like cannellini or lima beans, to suit your taste.
  • Lower Sugar Option: Reduce or eliminate the sugar in the dressing for a healthier alternative.
  • Serve It Anywhere: Perfect as a side dish, but it also works as a light lunch or salad topping.

Bright, zesty, and packed with nutrients, this 5-Bean Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Make it today and enjoy a healthy, delicious dish that’s ready for any occasion. Don’t forget to explore more recipes like this on Chef Maniac!

Easy 5-Bean Salad: A Fresh and Healthy Side Dish

Easy 5-Bean Salad: A Fresh and Healthy Side Dish

Looking for a versatile and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners? This 5-Bean Salad combines a variety of beans with a tangy dressing to create a vibrant, protein-packed side dish. I found this recipe on Chef Maniac, and it’s so easy and delicious that you’ll want to make it again and again!
By Jason GriffithPublished on January 22, 2025
Prep Time15 min
Cook TimePT0M
Total Time45 min
Servings4 servings
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced red onion
  • 2 cups diced green bell pepper
  • 3 cups olive oil
  • 4 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced red onion, green bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, green beans, and parsley.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
  3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation
Calories: 250 calories
Protein Content: 10g
Carbohydrate Content: 30g
Fat Content: 12g
Tags: 5-bean salad, healthy salad, bean salad recipe, vegan side dish, picnic salad