Confetti Bean Salad is a colorful, vibrant dish packed with a variety of beans and an array of finely diced vegetables that resemble confetti. This salad is not only visually appealing but also a nutritional powerhouse, offering a mix of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients in every bite. The beans provide a hearty base, while crisp vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, and cucumbers add crunch and freshness. A simple, zesty lime vinaigrette ties all the flavors together, enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients without overpowering them. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish, Confetti Bean Salad is easy to make ahead of time and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced for a spicy kick
Directions:
- Prepare the Vegetables and Beans:
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. If using, add the jalapeño.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing will bring a bright and tangy flavor to the salad.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add the chopped cilantro and toss again.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Confetti Bean Salad is as functional as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for those seeking a make-ahead dish that keeps well and even improves with time as the beans and vegetables soak up the vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch option or a nutritious addition to your dinner table, this salad delivers on all fronts with its delightful variety of textures and fresh flavors.
