Whether you make it for a picnic, potluck, or a weeknight dinner at home as a side dish, this Five Bean Salad is guaranteed to impress. Flavored with homemade garlicky mustard dressing, it comes together in 20 minutes, can be made ahead, and travels well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad takes only 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Packed with Flavor: The homemade garlicky mustard dressing adds a zesty kick that enhances the natural taste of the beans.
- Nutritious and Healthy: With five different types of beans, this salad is high in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can easily make this salad ahead of time, and it keeps well in the fridge for days.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Five Bean Salad Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures efficiency and ease during preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Jar with a lid (for dressing)
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Slotted spoon: This tool helps to drain the green beans quickly after cooking.
- Jar with a lid: Perfect for mixing the dressing by shaking, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of fresh green beans (rinsed and cut into ½ inch pieces)
– Water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
– 1 can Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
– 4 stalks of scallions (sliced thinly)
– 1 small bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
– ½ English cucumber (cut into ½ inch cubes)
– ½ cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
– ⅓ cup olive oil
– ⅓ cup lemon juice
– 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Five Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Green Beans
- Place a bowl with cold water and some ice. Set aside.
- Heat 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan.
- When it comes to a boil, add in the green beans.
- Cook for 6–7 minutes or until they are cooked to your liking.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans into the ice-cold water to stop cooking. Let them sit for a few minutes before draining.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the red kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, Cannellini beans, cooked green beans, scallions, bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
- Give it a gentle mix and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a jar with a lid, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Put the lid on and shake vigorously until fully mixed.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the dressing over the bean salad.
- Using large serving spoons, gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Five Bean Salad Recipe
This Five Bean Salad is not only healthy but also versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy the salad on its own for a light and refreshing meal packed with protein and fiber.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair the Five Bean Salad with grilled chicken, steak, or fish to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
In a Wrap
- Use the bean salad as a filling in whole wheat wraps for a nutritious lunch option that’s easy to take on the go.
On Top of Greens
- Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens for an added crunch and freshness, making it even more nutritious.
As Part of a Buffet
- Include it as one of the sides in your buffet spread. Its colorful presentation will attract guests and enhance the overall feast.
With Fresh Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or pita chips for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to your meal experience.
How to Perfect Five Bean Salad Recipe
To ensure your Five Bean Salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your salad more enjoyable.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you might want to add more salt or lemon juice for balance.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with beans: Feel free to substitute or add other beans according to your preference for variety.
- Add crunch: Incorporate nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for an extra crunch that complements the soft beans.
- Customize dressing: If you prefer spicier flavors, consider adding chili flakes or hot sauce to your dressing mix.
Best Side Dishes for Five Bean Salad Recipe
This Five Bean Salad pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors and make for a well-rounded meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that contrasts nicely with the beans.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings depth and enhances the overall meal aesthetic.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa adds protein and makes this meal even heartier without overshadowing the salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers an aromatic addition that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges provide comfort food vibes while being easy to prepare alongside your salad.
- Caprese Skewers: These fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil skewers add brightness and are easy finger foods for gatherings.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based side complements spicy dishes well while enhancing freshness overall.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad acts as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of savory dishes, making it a perfect finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Five Bean Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Green Beans: If you cook the green beans too long, they can become mushy. Aim for 6-7 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to keep them crisp.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to a bland salad. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or dressing as needed.
- Skipping the Dressing Shake: Not mixing the dressing thoroughly can leave you with uneven flavors. Be sure to shake the dressing in a jar until well blended.
- Using Stale Ingredients: Old beans or wilted vegetables can ruin your salad’s freshness. Always check your ingredients for quality before starting.
- Not Letting it Chill: Serving immediately might not allow flavors to meld properly. Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances its taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Five Bean Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Freezing Five Bean Salad Recipe
- It’s best not to freeze bean salads, as they may lose texture upon thawing.
- If you do choose to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.
Reheating Five Bean Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat and stir gently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Five Bean Salad Recipe?
You can definitely customize this salad by adding other ingredients like corn, avocado, or different herbs to suit your taste.
How long does the Five Bean Salad last?
The Five Bean Salad lasts about 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
What beans work best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, and Cannellini beans. You can also experiment with other varieties like pinto or navy beans.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep; just store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it over several days.
Is this Five Bean Salad recipe healthy?
Yes! Packed with protein and fiber from beans and loaded with fresh veggies, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Five Bean Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether served chilled at a picnic or enjoyed as a side dish during dinner, it brings vibrant flavors and textures together effortlessly. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients or dressings; make it your own!
Five Bean Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Five Bean Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks or a simple weeknight dinner. This salad combines five different beans, each packed with protein and fiber, all tossed together in a homemade garlicky mustard dressing that elevates the flavors. The best part? It can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles. Not only does this salad travel well, but it also stays fresh in the fridge for several days, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh green beans
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can Cannellini beans
- Scallions
- Bell pepper
- Cucumber
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Garlic
Instructions
- Cook green beans in boiling salted water for 6–7 minutes; then plunge into ice water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all beans and chopped vegetables.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar; shake well.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and mix gently until coated.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with other veggies like corn or avocado. Letting the salad chill allows flavors to meld beautifully.