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Herby Mixed Bean Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

This vibrant Herby Mixed Bean Salad combines a colorful medley of beans with fresh herbs and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a nutritious, protein-packed side or light main, it blends the earthiness of pinto, kidney, black eyed peas, and cannellini beans with crisp cucumber, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes. The dressing, infused with lemon, garlic, and Dijon mustard, brings zesty brightness and herbal freshness, making it an ideal dish for a healthy, easy meal anytime.

Ingredients

Beans and Vegetables

  • 1 can (15oz/400g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz/400g) black eyed beans/peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz/400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 6 sun dried tomatoes in oil, sliced

Dressing

  • 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Juice of one lemon (about 3-4 tbsp)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped basil
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans and Vegetables: Drain and rinse all canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness. Dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the sun-dried tomatoes. Combine all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until emulsified. Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, basil, salt, and cracked black pepper.
  3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium content and improves texture.
  • For added crunch, consider adding chopped celery or bell pepper.
  • The salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs will not have the same impact.
  • Maple syrup can be substituted with honey if preferred, but keep in mind honey is not vegan.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to taste.

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/herby-mixed-bean-salad-recipe/