Best 4 Easy Colorful Bean Salad Recipes

Indulge in a vibrant symphony of flavors with our Easy Colorful Bean Salad! This delightful dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring a medley of tender beans, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing. With three enticing variations to choose from, there's a perfect salad for every taste.

Our Classic Colorful Bean Salad is a harmonious blend of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and red onion, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. For a Mexican twist, try our Mexican Colorful Bean Salad, which incorporates black beans, corn, tomatoes, and jalapenos, all drizzled with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. And for a unique Asian-inspired twist, our Asian Colorful Bean Salad combines edamame, black beans, carrots, and red cabbage, dressed in a flavorful sesame-ginger vinaigrette.

Each salad is a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, making it an ideal side dish for your next barbecue, potluck, or picnic. With their vibrant colors and irresistible taste, these bean salads are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey filled with color, flavor, and pure culinary joy!

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

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

Ingredients

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

MEXICAN BEAN SALAD

Mexican Bean Salad image

A colorful, spicy, and refreshing bean and corn salad.

Provided by Karen Castle

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Corn Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn kernels
1 red onion, chopped
½ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 clove crushed garlic
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ tablespoon ground cumin
½ tablespoon ground black pepper
1 dash hot pepper sauce
½ teaspoon chili powder

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine beans, bell peppers, frozen corn, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, salt, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Season to taste with hot sauce and chili powder.
Pour olive oil dressing over vegetables; mix well. Chill thoroughly, and serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 10.5 g, Protein 11.2 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 1158.8 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

COLORFUL BEAN SALAD

Colorful Bean Salad image

My bean salad is a mainstay, both for family meals and neighborhood potlucks. People rave about the cumin dressing with its zesty flavor. The salad tastes even better when made ahead and marinated in the fridge overnight.-Beth Brown, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add the beans, corn and onions; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 641mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

COOL BEANS SALAD

Cool Beans Salad image

This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice add a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. -Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cooked basmati rice
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
4 green onions, sliced
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

In a large bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440 calories, Fat 19g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 659mg sodium, Carbohydrate 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher the beans, vegetables, and herbs, the better your salad will taste. Look for beans that are plump and firm, and vegetables that are crisp and brightly colored.
Cook the beans properly: If you're using dried beans, be sure to soak them overnight before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming tough. Canned beans are a convenient option, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
Don't overcook the vegetables: Vegetables should be cooked until tender-crisp, not mushy. This will help them retain their color, flavor, and nutrients.
Use a variety of colors and textures: A colorful salad is a more appealing salad. Try to use a variety of beans, vegetables, and herbs in different colors and shapes. This will make your salad more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
Dress the salad lightly: A light dressing will help to enhance the flavors of the beans, vegetables, and herbs without overpowering them. Use a simple vinaigrette or a light yogurt-based dressing.
Chill the salad before serving: A chilled salad is more refreshing and flavorful. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Bean salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, main course, or snack. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a bean salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these bean salad recipes a try.