Description
A vibrant and healthy Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad packed with a variety of beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a protein-rich snack, bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cannellini beans, 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, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin or paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Rinse the Beans: If using canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and canning liquids, ensuring the salad stays fresh and not soggy.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Thinly slice the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes to add juiciness. Finely chop fresh parsley for an even herbaceous flavor throughout.
- Mix the Beans and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine all the drained beans and chopped vegetables, creating a colorful and healthy base for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional cumin or paprika to add zest and depth.
- Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the beans and vegetable mixture, then gently toss to coat evenly. Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor and appearance.
- Toss gently to avoid mashing the beans and preserve their texture.
- Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving for better flavor integration.
- Taste and adjust seasoning such as salt, pepper, and acidity to your preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature based on your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: rainbow bean salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten free salad, protein rich salad, no cook salad, colorful salad