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.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and flavorful.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Rainbow Bean Salad, summer salad, healthy salad, bean salad, vegan salad, vegetarian, gluten free, easy salad