Kitchies! Some recipes just have that timeless charm, don’t they? This Easy 5 Bean Salad is one of them. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. You know those dishes that taste even better the next day? This is exactly that kind of salad.
It’s the perfect balance of tangy, slightly sweet, and savory, thanks to a homemade vinaigrette that brings it all together. Plus, it requires zero cooking—just a little chopping, mixing, and chilling. Whether you need a quick potluck dish, picnic favorite, or a healthy meal prep option, this 5 Bean Salad checks all the boxes!
Why You’ll Love This 5 Bean Salad
✔️ Super Easy – Just mix and chill!
✔️ Protein-Packed & Nutritious – A mix of beans = fiber, protein & energy!
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after marinating overnight.
✔️ Versatile – Works as a side dish, light lunch, or BBQ companion.
✔️ Dressing From Scratch – Fresh and flavorful without preservatives!
The Recipe That Became a Family Favorite
I first made this 5 Bean Salad for a summer BBQ, and my husband took one bite and immediately claimed the leftovers for lunch. Ever since, this salad has been on repeat in our kitchen.
It’s now my go-to dish whenever we have guests, need something healthy to meal prep, or just want a quick, satisfying side. Plus, my little one loves picking out the kidney beans first—it’s the cutest thing!
Why This 5 Bean Salad is a Must-Try
What Makes It Special?
✅ A Perfectly Balanced Vinaigrette – A mix of tangy vinegar, a touch of sweetness, and savory goodness.
✅ Loaded with Color & Texture – The mix of beans, crunchy onions, and fresh parsley is so satisfying.
✅ A Great Potluck Dish – Travels well, serves a crowd, and tastes better the longer it sits.
✅ No-Cook & Meal Prep Friendly – Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy all week!
Cuisine: American
Recipe Tips for the Best 5 Bean Salad
✔️ Let it Marinate – The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
✔️ Rinse Canned Beans Well – This removes excess sodium and any metallic taste.
✔️ Balance the Flavors – Adjust vinegar, sweetness, and salt to your liking.
✔️ Make It Heartier – Add grilled chicken, feta cheese, or quinoa!
Substitutions & Variations for 5 Bean Salad
Make It Lighter:
✔️ Swap honey for stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar.
✔️ Reduce oil and add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Add More Flavor:
✔️ Stir in crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick.
✔️ Add sliced olives for a Mediterranean vibe.
✔️ Toss in cherry tomatoes for freshness.
Turn It Into a Meal:
✔️ Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens.
✔️ Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
✔️ Wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla for a bean salad wrap!
Make It Healthier: Lower-Sodium & Vegan Tips
For a low-sodium version:
✔️ Use no-salt-added canned beans and rinse them well.
✔️ Reduce or skip the added salt in the dressing.
For a vegan-friendly version:
✔️ Swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
✔️ Make sure Dijon mustard is vegan (some brands contain honey).
Closing Thoughts: The Easy, Flavorful Salad You’ll Make Again & Again
And there you have it! This Easy 5 Bean Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ, meal prep, or a light lunch, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Make it today, and let me know how you like it! Tag us with your creations, and check out our other fresh, easy salad recipes.
Categories:
🥗 Side Dish | 🥙 Meal Prep | 🌿 Healthy Eating | 🎉 Potluck Favorite
Tags:
#5BeanSalad #HealthySalads #NoCookRecipes #VeganFriendly #EasySideDish #ProteinPacked #BBQSide
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Easy 5 Bean Salad Recipe with Vinaigrette Dressing
Description
This Easy 5 Bean Salad is one of them. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. You know those dishes that taste even better the next day? This is exactly that kind of salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) wax beans (yellow beans), drained
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas under cold water. Drain the green and wax beans.
- Chop the red onion, parsley, and bell pepper (if using).
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the beans, chopped onions, parsley, and bell pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better!). This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Give it a quick toss before serving, and enjoy!
