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Rainbow Bean Salad

Rainbow Bean Salad

Rainbow Bean Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and colorful dish perfect for summer meals. Packed with fresh vegetables and a variety of beans, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, providing a nutritious, protein-rich, and refreshing salad that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 cup kidney beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse canned kidney beans, chickpeas, and black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve their natural flavors and texture.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice red, yellow, and green bell peppers, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and fresh parsley or cilantro to create a perfect mix of textures and vibrant colors.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and flavorful.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently toss the prepared beans, chopped vegetables, and dressing together, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated with fresh flavors.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and keep it cool for refreshing enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Gently toss the salad to maintain the integrity and crispness of the beans and vegetables.
  • Season gradually with salt, adjusting after chilling as the flavors intensify over time.
  • Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and meld tastes beautifully.
  • Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience, ideal for picnics or BBQs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rainbow Bean Salad, summer salad, healthy salad, bean salad, vegan salad, vegetarian, gluten free, easy salad