Hearty Bean Salad Recipes

BEST BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the green beans, wax beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, green pepper, onion, and celery in a large bowl; toss to mix.
• Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a separate bowl until the sugar is dissolved; pour over the bean mixture. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight before serving.

HEARTY BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients; pour over bean mixture and toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon.

BLT BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the bread, olive oil, a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until combined, then spread into an even layer. Bake until the croutons are golden brown and well toasted, tossing halfway through, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the bacon to a medium skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and well browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon to drain.
• For the dressing, puree the basil, parsley, dill, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a food processor until the herbs are finely chopped and dressing is bright green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
• To assemble, add the beans, romaine, tomatoes, half the croutons and half the bacon to a large bowl. Add half of the herb-mayo dressing, then toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving bowl or platter, top with the remaining croutons and bacon and drizzle with the remaining dressing.

HEARTY THREE-BEAN-AND-HAM SALAD

Steps:

• To make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the ham, kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, scallions, and pepper Jack cheese (if using). Add the dressing and gently toss until combined.
• For each portion, arrange 2 leaves of Bibb lettuce to make a bowl on a plate and fill with the bean salad.
• This salad gets better as it sits (up to 4 days, refrigerated), so it's perfect for picnics and potlucks.