Best 4 Alfresco Bean Salad Recipes

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Alfresco Bean Salad: A Medley of Flavors and Textures

In the realm of summer cookouts and vibrant potlucks, Alfresco Bean Salad stands as a culinary masterpiece, captivating taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This delightful salad showcases a medley of beans, each contributing its unique charm to the ensemble. From the hearty chickpeas to the delicate black beans and the vibrant kidney beans, this salad is a symphony of colors and flavors that dances on the palate. Accompanying the beans is a symphony of crisp vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions, adding a refreshing crunch and vibrant hues. The dressing, a tangy yet balanced vinaigrette, brings all the elements together, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey, exploring the tantalizing recipes featured in this article, where each step leads us closer to the ultimate Alfresco Bean Salad experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY MEDITERRANEAN BEAN SALAD



Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad image

Easy three bean salad recipe packed with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs, capers, and a zesty Dijon garlic vinaigrette. Instead of mushy canned green beans, use fresh steamed ones, or swap them out for another type of bean. I chose to use cannellini beans! After dressing the bean salad, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, so that the beans can absorb the zippy dressing.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 15 oz can kidney beans, (drained and rinsed)
1 15- oz can cannellini beans, (drained and rinsed)
1 15- oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), (drained and rinsed)
1 green bell pepper, (cored and chopped)
1 red bell pepper, (cored and chopped)
1/2 English cucumber, (diced)
1 cup chopped red onions
1 1/2 tbsp capers, (drained)
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
10-15 fresh mint leaves, (torn or gently chopped)
10-15 fresh basil leaves, (torn or gently chopped)
1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, chopped peppers, onions, capers and fresh herbs. Mix using a wooden spoon.
  • In a small bowl, add the vinaigrette ingredients. Whisk vigorously to combine.
  • Add the vinaigrette to the salad bowl. Toss to coat.
  • For best results, cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving so that beans soak up the vinaigrette flavors. Give the salad another quick toss before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.1 kcal, Sodium 482 mg, Fat 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 9.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SUMMER ORZO SALAD



Summer Orzo Salad image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 bunch scallions
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2/3 cup Kalamata or cured black olives, pitted and chopped
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 red onion, finely diced
6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill to high heat.
  • Toss the scallions in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the scallions until the bulbs are tender and the greens are well-charred, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. (Alternately, you can char the scallions in a cast-iron pan on the stove.) Chop the white and light green parts finely, then discard the remaining ends of the scallions.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the orzo. Drop in the orzo and begin to cook. Meanwhile, add the chopped scallions to a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, Dijon mustard, remaining 1/3 cup olive oil and half of the olives and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  • When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and rinse to cool. Immediately toss in some of the vinaigrette, along with the cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, red onion and remaining olives. Mix well. Add more dressing to taste. Top with the goat cheese and serve.

GREEN BEAN AND TUNA SALAD WITH BASIL DRESSING



Green Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Dressing image

Our idea of salad for dinner in the height of summer means minimal cooking, lots of fresh greens, and enough protein to feel filling. Here, that means quickly blanched green beans, canned white beans, parsley leaves, and Little Gem lettuce get tossed in a punchy basil dressing with oil-packed tuna and capers.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Green Bean     Salad     Shallot     Vinegar     Basil     Lemon Juice     Lettuce     Bean     Parsley     Capers     Tuna     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Dinner     Quick & Easy     Quick and Healthy     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Summer

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 shallot, coarsely chopped
3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1 lb. green beans, trimmed
1 1/2 cups basil leaves
6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 large or 2 small heads of Little Gem lettuce or romaine hearts, leaves separated
1 (14.5-oz.) can white beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
1/4 cup capers, drained
1 (6-oz.) jar oil-packed tuna, drained, flaked into pieces

Steps:

  • Combine shallot, vinegar, and 1 tsp. salt in a blender jar. Let sit 5-10 minutes to lightly pickle.
  • Meanwhile, cook green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain, then run under very cold water until cool to the touch.
  • Add basil, oil, lemon juice, and pepper to shallot mixture and blend until mostly smooth. Pour dressing into a large bowl. Add green beans, lettuce, white beans, parsley, and capers and toss with your hands to coat. Add tuna and gently toss to combine. Transfer salad to a platter.

SUMMERY BEAN SALAD



Summery Bean Salad image

Very refreshing and very healthy. A great way to get in those good-for-you veggies and beans!

Provided by Jacqueline

Categories     Salad     Beans     Black Bean Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 lime, zested
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
½ tomato, seeded and chopped
½ cucumber, seeded and chopped
¼ red onion, chopped

Steps:

  • Whisk together cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and olive oil in a bowl; season with black pepper and salt. Mix together black beans, garbanzo beans, tomato, cucumber, and red onion in a salad bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.2 calories, Carbohydrate 24.7 g, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 607.2 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your salad.
  • Don't overcook the beans. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
  • Let the salad cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
  • If you're short on time, you can use canned beans. Just be sure to rinse them well before using.
  • Feel free to experiment with different variations of this salad. You can add different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to create a salad that's perfect for your taste.

Conclusion:

Alfresco Bean Salad is a delicious and versatile salad that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a healthy and refreshing salad, give Alfresco Bean Salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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