Best 4 Hearty Bean Salad Recipes

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Bean salads are a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal. They can be made with a variety of beans, vegetables, and dressings, making them a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a healthy dish to bring to a potluck, this article has the perfect hearty bean salad recipe for you.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

BEST BEAN SALAD



Best Bean Salad image

I'd turned my nose up at this for years, but suddenly I can't get enough of it. Thanks, Momma D!

Provided by chemjo

Categories     Salad     Beans     Three Bean Salad Recipes

Time 8h20m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can wax beans, drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup salad oil
½ cup vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ cup white sugar

Steps:

  • Combine the green beans, wax beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, green pepper, onion, and celery in a large bowl; toss to mix.
  • Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a separate bowl until the sugar is dissolved; pour over the bean mixture. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 167.3 calories, Carbohydrate 23.6 g, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 412.1 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

HEARTY BEAN SALAD



Hearty Bean Salad image

I discovered this salad years ago when I was a teenager in a 4-H club. After I was married, I used the recipe as a base and added different beans and water chestnuts for more crunch. The dressing is most important, getting the right balance between the sweet and the sour.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) cut wax beans, drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) cut green beans, drained
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
DRESSING:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients; pour over bean mixture and toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 156 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 665mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

BLT BEAN SALAD



BLT Bean Salad image

All the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich come together in this hearty bean salad. The homemade herb-mayo dressing adds freshness while the crisp bacon and croutons add a welcomed crunch. It's a great way to use up those pantry beans in a summery salad you'll want to enjoy all year round.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices thick-cut bacon (about 4 ounces), sliced into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh dill
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
One 15-ounce can Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 heart of romaine, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Toss the bread, olive oil, a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until combined, then spread into an even layer. Bake until the croutons are golden brown and well toasted, tossing halfway through, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the bacon to a medium skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon to drain.
  • For the dressing, puree the basil, parsley, dill, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a food processor until the herbs are finely chopped and dressing is bright green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
  • To assemble, add the beans, romaine, tomatoes, half the croutons and half the bacon to a large bowl. Add half of the herb-mayo dressing, then toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving bowl or platter, top with the remaining croutons and bacon and drizzle with the remaining dressing.

HEARTY THREE-BEAN-AND-HAM SALAD



Hearty Three-Bean-and-Ham Salad image

Growing up in the South, we were surrounded by three-bean salads, which are something of an aquired taste. We ate up Mama's beans and ham hocks, but give us kids a cold bean salad and we'd be out the backdoor. Well, now we've seen the error of our ways-plus canned beans seem to be better these days, less mushy and more flavorful. Here we toss them with spicy cheese and leftover ham for a main-course salad that's delicious served with Moist-and-Easy Corn Bread (page 45).

Yield serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound thick-cut ham steak (from your supermarket's deli counter), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
One 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
One 15-ounce can cut green beans, rinsed and drained
2 scallions (white and light green parts), chopped
4 ounces pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (optional)
1 head Bibb lettuce

Steps:

  • To make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ham, kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, scallions, and pepper Jack cheese (if using). Add the dressing and gently toss until combined.
  • For each portion, arrange 2 leaves of Bibb lettuce to make a bowl on a plate and fill with the bean salad.
  • This salad gets better as it sits (up to 4 days, refrigerated), so it's perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Tips:

  • Choose the right beans: For this salad, hearty beans like chickpeas, kidney beans, or black beans work best. They hold their shape well and have a slightly firm texture that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
  • Cook the beans properly: If using dried beans, soak them overnight before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time. Canned beans are also a convenient option, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using.
  • Use fresh, flavorful vegetables: The vegetables in this salad provide a bright, crisp contrast to the beans. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables that are at their peak of flavor.
  • Make a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings this salad together. Use a combination of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey to create a dressing that is both tangy and flavorful.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing can overwhelm the other ingredients and make the salad soggy.
  • Serve the salad immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. The beans and vegetables will start to wilt if the salad sits for too long.

Conclusion:

This hearty bean salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With its bright, fresh flavors and satisfying crunch, this salad is sure to become a favorite.

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