Five Bean Salad Recipe

Whether you’re planning a picnic, attending a potluck, or just looking for a quick and tasty side dish for a weeknight dinner at home, this Five Bean Salad Recipe is here to impress. It features a vibrant mix of beans and vegetables, all tossed in a zesty homemade garlicky mustard dressing. Not only does it come together in just 20 minutes, but it can also be made ahead of time and travels well, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this salad in just 20 minutes.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with beans, it’s rich in protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish or as a light meal on its own.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade garlicky mustard dressing adds a delicious kick.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this Five Bean Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Jar with lid (for dressing)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without spilling.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for blanching the green beans quickly while keeping them bright green.
• Jar with lid: Allows for easy mixing of the dressing by shaking without mess.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Five Bean Salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Beans

• 1 cup of fresh green beans (rinsed and cut into ½ inch pieces)
• 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)

For the Vegetables

• 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)

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Five Bean Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Green Beans

1. Place a bowl filled with cold water and ice aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat 3 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Once boiling, add the green beans.
3. Cook for 6-7 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans into the ice water to halt cooking. Let them sit for a few minutes before draining.

Step 2: Combine the Beans

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the red kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, Cannellini beans, cooked green beans, scallions, bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
2. Gently mix everything together.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In your jar with lid, add olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until fully mixed.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the dressing over your bean salad mixture.
2. Using large serving spoons, gently mix everything until well-coated. Taste for seasoning; adjust if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Simply serve your Five Bean Salad chilled or at room temperature! Enjoy!

How to Serve Five Bean Salad Recipe

Five Bean Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served at a summer barbecue or as a quick lunch, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

As a Standalone Meal

• This salad makes for a hearty meal option, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s nutritious and filling on its own.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pairing the salad with grilled chicken adds protein and complements the fresh flavors of the beans.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside your favorite main courses like grilled fish or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal.

In Wraps

• Use the Five Bean Salad as a filling for wraps. Add some greens and a drizzle of dressing for extra flavor.

On Lettuce Cups

• For a lighter option, serve the bean salad on crisp lettuce cups. This adds crunch and freshness to every bite.

How to Perfect Five Bean Salad Recipe

For an even more delicious Five Bean Salad, follow these simple tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will elevate the taste of your salad. Try to use garden-fresh green beans and herbs whenever possible.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the dressing’s acidity by adding more lemon juice or honey as per your preference. This helps achieve that perfect tangy-sweet balance.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Add crunch: Incorporate nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft beans.
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding feta cheese or avocado slices for additional creaminess and richness in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Five Bean Salad Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Five Bean Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes add smoky flavor.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs provides additional protein and complements the bean salad well.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is perfect for summer meals and pairs beautifully with this fresh salad.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts perfectly with the savory beans.
5. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit; it’s great for scooping up any leftover bean salad dressing!
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon zest and parsley offers another layer of flavor while keeping things fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Five Bean Salad, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture.

• Using canned beans without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans can lead to a salty and metallic taste. Always drain and rinse them to enhance the flavor.
• Overcooking the green beans: Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant color. Cook them just until tender, then cool them in ice water.
• Skipping the dressing: A salad without dressing can taste bland. Don’t skip this step; the homemade garlicky mustard dressing adds essential flavor.
• Not letting it chill: Serving the salad immediately can result in less developed flavors. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient may bring different levels of seasoning. Taste the salad before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Five Bean Salad Recipe

• The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Five Bean Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Five Bean Salad Recipe?

A Five Bean Salad Recipe combines various beans like red kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, Cannellini beans, and green beans for a protein-packed dish.

Can I use different types of beans in my Five Bean Salad Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute any of your favorite beans or legumes based on availability or preference.

How long does it take to make this Five Bean Salad Recipe?

The preparation time for this Five Bean Salad Recipe is around 20 minutes, making it quick and easy!

How should I serve my Five Bean Salad Recipe?

This salad is perfect as a side dish for picnics or potlucks but can also be served as a light main course.

Final Thoughts

This Five Bean Salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition and flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Try it today and enjoy its delightful taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Five Bean Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover a refreshing and nutritious Five Bean Salad Recipe that is perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks and quick weeknight dinners. This vibrant salad combines an array of beans and fresh vegetables, all beautifully tossed in a zesty homemade garlicky mustard dressing. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this dish can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken or your favorite protein for a satisfying feast.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup of fresh green beans, rinsed and cut into ½ inch pieces
• 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 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the green beans in boiling salted water for 6-7 minutes until tender. Transfer to ice water to halt cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the beans and chopped vegetables.
3. In a jar, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake until combined.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gently until well-coated.
5. Chill before serving or enjoy at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg