Easy Blissful Bean Salad
A vibrant, hearty bean salad combining sweet, tangy flavors with crunchy seeds and dried fruits, perfect for casual gatherings or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can waxed beans ⓘ
- 1 can cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, sliced very thin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 small onion, sliced thinly ⓘ
- 1 cup sunflower seeds ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1 red onion, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then blot free of fat and cut into bits.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the waxed beans, green beans, kidney beans, diced celery, sliced green pepper, raisins, chopped dates, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together salad oil, cider vinegar, and sugar until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the bacon bits and sunflower seeds, then gently mix again.
- Top with thinly sliced small onion if desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the bean mixture. If you prefer a tangy kick, a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors. Substitute any of the beans with black beans for a heartier texture. If you're looking for a lighter version, reduce the sugar content or use a sugar substitute appropriate for vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bean salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Slow-Cooker Meal Chicken Barley Soup or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider adding a grain like quinoa or couscous for extra substance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. If you want to serve it warm, gently reheat in a microwave, but be careful not to overdo it to maintain the texture of the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Blissful Bean Salad contains roughly 891 calories, with 22g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bean salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bean salad can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
What can I use instead of salad oil?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute salad oil with olive oil or avocado oil. These alternatives will add a unique taste to the dressing while still providing the necessary fat for a creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this bean salad is entirely vegan-friendly! All the ingredients used are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you might add are also vegan-compatible.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).