Light and simple to prepare, you will want to keep this Mexican Bean Salad in your refrigerator at all times. It's packed with plant-based protein and fiber and is naturally gluten-free.
And just like that, the Blizzard of 2016 hits. I should say, the FIRST blizzard of 2016. It's a perfect day. The kids are playing in the snow, hubby is shoveling and I am cooking and baking ALL THE THINGS.
As I finish preparing the bean salad that I make almost weekly, I realize that I never shared the recipe with you guys! GAH! I am not sure how I forgot that since this is the most delicious and easiest salad ever, but I apologize. Better late than never, right?
I think most people eat lots of heavy foods in the winter and eat more lighter salads in the spring and summer. That's a really easy way to put on some extra weight in the winter.
I always try to keep healthy salads in my refrigerator for a quick and convenient lunch or dinner. This bean salad is perfect for that.
If you are looking for some other healthy salad recipes, you will love this Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Greek Cauliflower Rice Salad and this Grilled Bok Choy Salad with Miso Dressing!
Recipe Tips for Making This Mexican Bean Salad
This is one of those make ahead salads that I keep in my refrigerator for lunch or dinner. This bean salad tastes better the 2nd and even 3rd day because the beans soak up all of the deliciousness from the dressing. It's great all year long too and it's always a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Side note, avocados turn brown way too quickly so I usually prep everything except the avocados and simply slice one right before I eat it. This way they won't turn brown (yuck) and all the vegetables will stay crunchy.
This dressing is truly incredible and I use it for other salads too! I also like extra cilantro on mine.....oh how I love cilantro.
Meal prepping on Sundays really helps me to stay on track. When I am ready to eat lunch, starving looking for something to eat, I am more likely to snack on unnecessary foods unless I have already prepared my lunch or dinner. That is why meal prep is crucial!
And when you start "snacking" because you are starving, you can mindlessly eat tons of calories BEFORE you even start to make lunch. Having your meals all prepped and ready prevents this mindless eating. I promise.
Related Recipes
Low Carb Keto Cucumber Salad from Food Faith Fitness
Caprese Quinoa Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad from Running to the Kitchen
Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Paleo Chicken Cobb Salad with Buffalo Ranch Dressing from Paleo Running Momma
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Mexican Bean Salad
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can small white beans rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes chopped ( I use multi-color tomatoes)
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced
- Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- zest of one lime
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup fresh packed chopped cilantro leaves optional
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients for the salad in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Mix all ingredients together for dressing in a small bowl or jar. Mix well or shake well (if using a jar). Pour dressing over salad. Let refrigerate for several hours or even overnight.
Jennifer
Such an easy and yummy salad! Perfect for summer!
Toni
This is such an amazing salad!! Even my kids loved it! Will definitely make it again!
Beth
This looks so delicious and very tasty! My hubby and I are definitely going to love this! Making this as soon as possible!
Helen McLauchlan
I think I will add some extra salad greenery in the form of rocket, baby spinach, or baby cos.
lauren.kelly
Great idea, Helen!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
This bean salad looks amazing and so clean! Hope you are doing ok! When do you get to go home from the hospital?
lauren.kelly
Thanks Alice! I hope to go home today!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
So many great flavors in this salad! I can't wait to try it!
Michelle Stern (What's Cooking with Kids)
Exactly the kind of food I like to eat. It's also perfect for kiddos to make as well!
lauren.kelly
Thank you!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
I make a very similar salad, but with only black beans, and it's one of my very favorite things ever. Love the flavors in this. I will have to try it with the trio of beans you use!