If you try this simple bean salad recipe, you will be hooked! This three-bean salad is fresh and full of flavor thanks to crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and onions, fresh herbs, capers, and a tangy garlic Dijon dressing. It is made in the Mediterranean style. Great for make ahead meals, picnics, and potluck!.
A hearty bean salad is a versatile addition to any meal. This protein-packed staple combines nutritious beans with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. But what should you serve alongside this salad to create a satisfying and balanced plate?
In this article, we’ll explore over 30 delicious options for what to pair with bean salad From grilled meats to flavorful carbohydrates to light, refreshing beverages, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to take your bean salad from side dish to centerpiece.
Complementary Proteins
Including a serving of lean protein with your bean salad ensures you’re getting all the necessary amino acids. Here are some excellent protein pairings:
Chicken
Grilled, baked, or sautéed, chicken breast or thighs make an easy protein choice. The mild flavor pairs nicely without overpowering the salad. For added interest, use barbecue or Greek seasonings.
Fish
Salmon, halibut, cod, tuna, and other oily fish contain heart-healthy omega-3s that balance the plant proteins in the beans. Bake, grill or pan-sear seasoned fillets for a light yet satisfying duo.
Tofu
For a vegetarian option, marinated tofu cubes add extra protein and a delicious chewy contrast Bake or pan-fry firmer varieties like extra firm or smoked tofu
Eggs
Hard boiled, deviled, or sliced egg salad sandwiches bring cholesterol-lowering protein. A sprinkling of chopped hardboiled egg over the salad adds extra nutrition too.
Meat
Hearty cuts like steak, pork chops or lamb pair nicely with the lighter bean salad. Or use leftover roasted beef or pork layered on sandwiches.
Satisfying Starches
Carbohydrates provide energy and extended fullness. Here are some excellent starchy sides:
Breads
Slices of crusty artisan bread, pita wedges or rolls let you create delicious bean salad sandwiches perfect for lunch.
Rice
White rice, brown rice, or rice pilafs lend body and absorb the salad’s flavors deliciously. Consider wheat berries or farro for extra fiber and protein too.
Pasta
Chilled pasta salads tossed with vinaigrette match with beans’ creamy heartiness. Small shapes like farfalle or elbows work well.
Potatoes
Roast potatoes add a satisfying crunch, or serve creamy mashed potatoes as the perfect blank canvas for bean salad flavors.
Tortillas
Warm corn or flour tortillas wrapped around the salad make handheld tacos or fajita-style treats.
Delightful Vegetables
Adding vegetables builds a well-rounded, nutrient-dense plate. Some excellent vegetable pairings include:
Roasted Veggies
Roasting cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, peppers or other veggies caramelizes their natural sweetness. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper before roasting.
Sautéed Greens
Quick-cooking greens like spinach, kale and Swiss chard sautéed with garlic add a pop of color and nutrition.
Fresh Salads
Crisp lettuces, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and vinaigrettes make refreshing complements. Create combo plates for a mix of textures.
Grilled Veggies
From corn on the cob to zucchini slices, the smoky char of grilled vegetables jazzes up the bean salad. Brush with olive oil and grill until tender.
Delectable Dressings and Sauces
Don’t overlook sauces and dressings to bring out bean salad’s best attributes:
Vinaigrettes
Bright vinaigrettes use oil and acid like vinegar or citrus to create tang. Whisk up quick balsamic, Greek, or chili-lime versions.
Aiolis
For richness, blend egg yolks, olive oil, lemon and minced garlic into aioli. Stir in herbs like dill or basil for flavor variations.
Pestos
Nutty, herby pesto mixed into bean salads or served alongside provides a fresh Italian twist. Go classic basil or get creative with cilantro or parsley pestos.
Salsas
Chunky tomato or fiery roasted salsa adds Mexican zing to complement beans’ natural creaminess and zip.
Global Flavor Inspirations
Fusion flavor elements from world cuisines add intrigue to basic bean salad. Some tasty cultural combinations include:
Greek
Add crumbled feta, olives, artichoke hearts, red onions, lemon, oregano and olive oil for Mediterranean freshness. Serve with grilled chicken, pitas and tzatziki sauce.
Mexican
Mix in corn, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice and chili powder. Accompany with fish tacos, tortilla chips and guacamole for Taco Tuesday.
Italian
Toss with shredded Parmesan, chopped pepperoncinis, basil, tomato, balsamic and EVOO for an Italian pasta salad feel. Pair with crusty bread, antipasto skewers and Chianti.
Indian
Stir in curry powder, golden raisins, ginger, cilantro and garam masala for an Indian bean chaat salad. Serve alongside samosas, naan and cucumber raita.
Meal Occasion Ideas
Bean salads work for relaxed gatherings, special occasions and weeknight dinners too. Here are pairing suggestions for different settings:
Picnics
Pack your salad with crusty rolls, deviled eggs, watermelon slices and chilled white wine or lemonade. Keep chilled until serving.
Barbecues
Complement with grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken or kebabs. Add corn, avocado and smoky chipotle flavors to your salad.
Brunch
Serve an egg-topped salad with bacon, pastries, fruit and mimosas or Bloody Mary cocktails.
Holiday Meals
Accent salads with pomegranate seeds, pecans and dried fruit. Pair with sliced ham, rolls and festive cocktails for celebrations.
Date Nights
For romantic meals, keep it simple with salad, seared scallops and a pinot grigio. Use an elegant china platter for service.
Thirst-Quenching Beverages
Washing down your bean salad with the right beverage completes the meal. Consider these refreshing potions:
Iced Tea
Brew black, green or herbal teas. Sweeten with honey and serve over ice. Mint and lemon complement the salad well.
Lemonade
Simple lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or lavender lemonade offer backyard BBQ beverage vibes.
Wine
Dry white wines like sauvignon blanc have enough acidity to balance the salad’s flavors.
Craft Beer
Opt for crisper lagers, pilsners or wheat beers rather than bitter IPAs when pairing with salad.
Fruit Juice Spritzers
Create your own spritzers by combining chilled fruit juices with sparkling water and fresh fruit slices.
So now you’re ready to take your bean salad from boring to beautiful! With this wide variety of pairing ideas, from proteins to veggies to global flavors, you can create satisfying, well-rounded meals that will have everyone begging for seconds. Experiment with different combinations and flavors to find your favorite salad companions.
What kind of beans go into a three bean salad?
There are three main types of beans that are usually found in an American three bean salad: green beans from a can, kidney beans or black beans, and garbanzo beans, which are also called chickpeas.
I’m not a fan of canned green beans: They just feel too mushy for my taste. Stick with green beans. Use steamed green beans that were shocked in ice water after they were cooked. Steamed green beans will lend far better texture than canned green beans.
You can also do as I do and replace the green beans with another bean. I used canned cannellini beans in this recipe, I like their creamy texture and subtly nutty flavory. You could also use black-eyed peas, pinto beans, or steamed wax beans, which are like green beans but not traditional for a three-bean salad. They would still taste great, though.
How to make bean salad
This Mediterranean bean salad couldn’t be any easier to make. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3:
- In a large bowl, mix together three cans of beans, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Four 15-ounce cans of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, red kidney beans, and cannellini beans were used. I added 2 chopped bell peppers, ½ diced English cucumber, and 1 cup chopped red onions to make it crunchier. A cup of chopped parsley and a few torn mint and basil leaves give it a fresh, herb-y taste. You don’t have to use briny capers, but I think they make it more interesting.
- Make the vinaigrette. It’s easy to make. Just mix together ½ tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves or two, and a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. The vinaigrette should cover all the vegetables and beans well. Chill for at least 30 minutes and serve.
Old Fashioned Bean Salad – Bean Salad Recipe – Twisted Mikes
FAQ
How long will bean salad last in the fridge?
What to serve with salad for dinner?
What to eat with bean salad?
Opt for fish such as cod, haddock, or salmon. Season with a sprinkle of lemon juice and a dash of parsley before baking. Tofu, a soy-based protein, is a versatile pairing for bean salad. For added flavour, try marinated or smoked tofu varieties. Cut into cubes or slices, pan-fry until golden, and serve alongside your salad.
What is the best way to eat beans?
The best way to eat beans is to first cook them in a large pot of water, about 4 cups of water to every 1 cup of beans. Adding lemon grass or other herbs to the water can improve the flavor. Once beans are cooked the best thing to do is combine them with cooked rice, this is because beans are low in methionine and rice is low in lysine, so combining them makes a more complete protein.
What goes with a 3 bean salad?
Here’s something lean and mean to go with your 3 bean salad: a turkey sandwich. Lean ground turkey is a great choice for this dish because it’s lower in calories and fat than regular ground beef. Plus, it has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices in the salad.
What vegetables go well with bean salad?
Another great option for bean salad is roasted vegetables. You can roast just about any vegetable, but I recommend strong ones like potatoes, carrots, and squash. They’ll stand up well to the beans and complement their flavor perfectly. 6. Roasted Mushrooms