Looking for a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that comes together in minutes? This Colorful Bean Salad is a delicious way to combine pantry staples with fresh produce for a satisfying and wholesome meal or side. Beans like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are rich in fiber and plant-based protein, helping to keep you full and support healthy digestion. Tossed with crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and fresh herbs, this salad is bursting with flavor and color. 

Each color in the mix brings its own nutritional benefits – think of it as eating the rainbow for your health! Red tomatoes offer lycopene for heart health, orange and yellow peppers bring vitamin C for immunity, and dark beans deliver iron and folate for energy. It’s a simple, no-cook recipe that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. 

Fun Nutrition Fact:
Just one cup of black beans contains around 15 grams of fiber—over half your daily needs! That fiber helps support gut health and can help keep your blood sugar steady. 

Storage Tips:
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. The flavors actually deepen over time! 

Pairing Ideas:
Serve it as a refreshing side with grilled chicken or fish, spoon it over leafy greens for an easy lunch bowl, or scoop it up with whole grain tortilla chips as a hearty snack. However you enjoy it, this bean salad is sure to brighten up your plate—and your day! 

Seasonal Swaps:
Make it your own with what’s fresh and available! Try diced cucumber or zucchini in the summer, roasted sweet potato in the fall, or shredded carrots and cabbage for extra crunch any time of year. 

Colorful Bean Salad 

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Ingredients: 

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced 
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped 
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped 
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) 

For the Dressing: 

  • 3 tbsp olive oil 
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice 
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup 
  • ½ tsp garlic powder 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, corn, and cilantro. 
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. 
  1. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve and enjoy!