Five Bean Salad Recipe: A Flavorful & Easy Side Dish
This five bean salad recipe is a perfect side dish for any occasion. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The vibrant colors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving it at a picnic, barbecue, or family dinner. This recipe is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different herbs and spices.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be easily adjustable based on your preferences and the number of servings you require. Feel free to multiply or reduce the quantities as needed.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans (lima beans), rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (for a milder flavor, you can soak the onion in cold water for 15 minutes before adding)
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for a less processed option)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions for the Perfect Five Bean Salad:
- Combine the beans: In a large bowl, combine all five types of rinsed and drained beans.
- Add the vegetables: Add the chopped red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery to the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious five bean salad! The longer it chills, the better the flavors will be. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Five Bean Salad:
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
- Fresh herbs: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives.
- Bacon or ham: Crumbled bacon or diced ham adds a savory element to the salad. Add it after chilling.
- Different beans: Feel free to substitute your favorite beans. Cannellini beans or great northern beans would also work well.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
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