Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly delicious side dish that will transform your meal in just 15 minutes? Look no further than this mouthwatering Red Bean Salad that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters! Packed with vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and a zesty vinaigrette, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for every occasion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned red beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and starch. Allow beans to drain completely in a colander.
- Wash the bell pepper and red onion. Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the bell pepper into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- Peel the red onion and finely dice it into small, consistent pieces. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes before using.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained red beans, diced bell pepper, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This brief chilling time will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture
- For a milder onion flavor, soak diced onions in cold water before adding
- Use fresh, crisp bell peppers for maximum crunch and flavor
- Let the salad chill for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro
- Use high-quality olive oil and vinegar for the best dressing results
- Can be prepared ahead of time and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or balsamic for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 147kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
