Two Bean And Rice Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed bean and rice salad with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light, healthy meals any time of year.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold rice ⓘ
- 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 10 oz package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 oz cans diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped cilantro ⓘ
- 1 recipe garlic dressing or 8 oz jar Italian salad dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2 quart covered container, combine cooked rice, rinsed and drained pinto beans, black beans, thawed peas, sliced celery, chopped red onion, drained diced green chili peppers, and snipped cilantro.
- Add the garlic dressing or Italian salad dressing to the rice mixture.
- Toss gently to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover and chill up to 24 hours.
- To serve, transfer the chilled salad to a serving bowl.
- If desired, garnish with cilantro sprigs and whole chili peppers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or corn for a colorful twist. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute quinoa for rice, which also enhances protein content. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be swapped for cilantro if desired. This salad can also be made vegan by ensuring the dressing is free from animal products, making it a great addition to your vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Two Bean and Rice Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, or can be enjoyed alongside dishes like Hurried Housewife Chili. For added crunch, serve with tortilla chips or pita bread, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it sits, making it even more delicious. To refresh the salad before serving, you might want to add a splash of lemon juice or extra dressing to revive the flavors and moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Bean And Rice Salad contains roughly 329 calories, with 18g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (244% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 329 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use different types of beans for this salad?
Absolutely! While pinto and black beans are delicious choices, feel free to experiment with kidney beans, chickpeas, or any beans you prefer. Each type will add a unique flavor and texture to the salad, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness. This makes it a convenient option for lunches throughout the week.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To spice up your Two Bean and Rice Salad, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also mix in some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick. Adjust the heat level to your liking for a personalized touch!
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).