Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad (Fresh, Zesty & Perfect for Busy Days)

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a fresh, vibrant bean salad, and this Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad is just the ticket for those busy weeknights or when you need a quick, delicious side dish. With the delightful combination of beans, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it perfectly balances flavors and textures. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up!

What is Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad?

Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad is a no-fuss dish that showcases the beauty of beans, making them the star of the show. Originating as a staple in various cuisines, bean salads have become a beloved crowd-pleaser for their versatility and flavor. This particular recipe brings together three types of beans, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, creating a delightful and surprising burst of flavor in every bite. You’ll find it’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of freshness!

Why You’ll Love This

What makes this Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad a winning choice? For starters, the simplicity of the recipe allows even novice cooks to shine in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can transform pantry staples into a vibrant, nourishing dish. And the best part? It’s affordable! You can create a tasty meal that fits your budget without sacrificing flavor.

In just about an hour, you’ll have a refreshing salad that you can enjoy as a light lunch or as a hearty side at dinner. It’s perfect for meal prep, too! Make a big batch, and you’ll have nutritious leftovers to savor throughout the week. What’s not to love?

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making this salad is as easy as can be! You’ll need just a few tools: a small bowl, a large mixing bowl, and a whisk. Total prep time is about 15 minutes, plus at least an hour to chill in the fridge.

Ingredients

. 3 (15 oz) cans beans, drained and rinsed or 4 ½ cups cooked beans
. 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
. 1 medium cucumber, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
. 3 tablespoons drained capers
. 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
. 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
. 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
. 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
. 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Start by adding the chopped onions to a small bowl and covering them with cold water. Set aside for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain and rinse.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it feels a bit sharp, whisk in honey or maple syrup to balance it out.
3. Add the rinsed beans, drained onion, cucumber, parsley, capers, and dried oregano to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What to Serve with Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad

This delightful dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a hearty grain bowl. You can also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with sparkling water infused with lemon or a chilled glass of white wine. This refreshing bean medley complements a variety of meals, making it a go-to dish for any occasion!

Top Tips for Perfecting Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad

1. Mix up the beans: Try using different varieties like black beans, chickpeas, or edamame for a unique twist.
2. Go fresh: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
3. Add crunch: Incorporate chopped bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and color.
4. Marinate longer: Letting the salad chill overnight allows the flavors to meld deliciously!
5. Adjust the sweetness: Taste the dressing; if it’s too acidic, a little more honey or syrup can balance it out.
6. Temperature matters: Serve it cold for the best flavor experience.
7. Don’t skip the rinse: Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and enhances the freshness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you decide to freeze this salad, it’s best to skip freezing; the cucumbers and herbs may not keep well. However, if you only freeze the beans and dressing, they should be good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and toss with fresh vegetables.

Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad

A fresh, vibrant bean salad featuring a delightful combination of beans, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cans 3 (15 oz) cans beans, drained and rinsed or 4 ½ cups cooked beans Use a mix of your favorite beans.
• 1/2 medium 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup) Soak in cold water to mellow flavor.
• 1 medium 1 medium cucumber, finely chopped (about 2 cups) Adds crunch to the salad.
• 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons drained capers Provides a briny flavor.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• 3/4 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup red wine vinegar Tart and flavorful base for the dressing.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil For a rich texture.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds depth to the dressing.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional) Adjust sweetness to taste.
• 3/4 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by adding the chopped onions to a small bowl and covering them with cold water. Set aside for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain and rinse.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. If the dressing feels a bit sharp, whisk in honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors.
4. Add the rinsed beans, drained onion, cucumber, parsley, capers, and dried oregano to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For meal prep, make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week. Serve cold for the best flavor.

FAQs

This Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Bursting with flavor and brimming with fresh ingredients, it’s an inviting dish that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try soon, and prepare to be delighted by the deliciousness of this vibrant salad! Feel free to whip up this Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad and share with friends and family—you’ll be glad you did!

More Resources

• The Ultimate Guide to Bean Salad: 15+ Healthy, Flavorful Recipes
• 3-Bean Salad
• Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
• Italian Dense Bean Salad
• Greek Bean Salad (Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Mediterranean Recipe)
• White Bean Salad – Easy Fresh Mediterranean Recipe
• La Scala Bean Salad
• Health Benefits of Beans – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Beans and Legumes – MedlinePlus
• Bean Salad – Wikipedia