Are you tired of bland, boring salads that take forever to prepare? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with the most addictive bean salad you'll ever taste! This "Winging It" Bean Salad is a game-changing recipe that proves delicious can also mean super quick and incredibly easy. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe - no culinary degree required!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Canned mixed beans
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned mixed beans thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water to prevent diluting the dressing.
- Finely dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Thinly slice the red onion, creating delicate, translucent rings or half-moons that will provide a sharp, crisp texture to the salad.
- Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press to release their aromatic oils and maximize flavor infusion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans, diced bell pepper, and sliced red onion.
- Create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate small bowl until well emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, gently folding to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Bean Basics: Always drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Precision Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to deeply penetrate the ingredients.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest garlic and highest quality olive oil you can find for maximum flavor impact.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep and potlucks!
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra crunch, consider topping with toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 144kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
