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Cool Beans Salad Recipe

4.8 from 90 reviews

A refreshing and protein-packed Cool Beans Salad featuring a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with fragrant spices, mixed with basmati rice, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables. This make-ahead salad is perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Salad

  • 3 cups cooked basmati rice
  • 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and pepper until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
  2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked basmati rice, rinsed kidney beans, black beans, thawed corn, sliced green onions, chopped sweet red pepper, and minced fresh cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.
  3. Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to cool.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly cooked and cooled basmati rice rather than warm rice to prevent sogginess.
  • This salad can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Feel free to add diced avocado or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
  • You can substitute the black beans or kidney beans with other varieties like chickpeas or cannellini beans.
  • Adjust the chili powder quantity according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: Cool Beans Salad, bean salad, rice salad, vegetarian salad, healthy salad, make-ahead salad, easy salad recipe