Beans are affordable and versatile which make them a great ingredient for salads. They are highly nutritious, too! Beans are an excellent source of antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc as well as fiber and protein. Regular consumption of beans also lower the risk of many health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Here are 3 delicious bean salad recipes everyone will love:
Tropical Bean Salad
What you need:
- 1 lime, zested
- 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 red onion,chopped
- 2 cups black beans
- 2 cups garbanzo beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
In a medium bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil and cilantro then season with salt and pepper. In a salad bowl, mix together tomato, cucumber, onion, black beans and garbanzo beans. Pour dressing over salad bowl. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Honey Bean Delight
What you need:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Place beans in a salad bowl. Add garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, basil, sage, black pepper and hot pepper sauce to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and beans are covered with dressing. Serve immediately.
Peaches and Beans
What you need:
- 2 peaches, chopped
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 2 cups black beans
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Sea salt to taste
- In a salad bowl, combine peaches, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion, black beans and cilantro. Season with ground cumin and seas salt. Add avocado to the bowl and drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Toss to coat. Allow to stand for 8-10 minutes before serving.
Substitute your greens with beans from time to time to add variety to your salads. These easy bean salad recipes are the perfect way to improve your salad game – healthy and delicious at the same time!
