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Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad Recipe

Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad Recipe

The Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and nutritious dish packed with an assortment of beans, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a side, light lunch, or potluck favorite, this salad combines bold flavors, diverse textures, and eye-catching colors in an easy-to-make, protein- and fiber-rich meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

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

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs & Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans and Vegetables: Rinse and drain all canned beans thoroughly to remove excess salt and liquid. Wash and chop the bell peppers into small bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob.
  2. Mix the Salad Base: Combine all the beans, chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh herbs finely chopped for an aromatic foundation.
  3. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. This dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.
  4. Toss and Combine: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, gently tossing everything until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; sometimes a little more lime juice or salt makes all the difference.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and colorful dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro elevate freshness unlike dried versions.
  • Rinse canned beans: Thorough rinsing removes excess sodium and improves taste.
  • Let flavors meld: Allow time to chill the salad so the dressing infuses into the beans and veggies.
  • Customize the texture: Chop ingredients uniformly for consistent bites and pleasant chew.
  • Serve at the right temperature: Slightly chilled is best to enjoy the crisp, fresh textures fully.

Nutrition

Keywords: bean salad, rainbow salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free, quick salad, nutritious, rainbow beans, vegan