Bean Salad: Simple and Delicious 6-Bean Salad Recipe

Are you looking for an easy make-ahead recipe? Consider making a big batch of a flavorful marinated bean salad. This dish can be served as a salad or a side dish for any occasion, ranging from everyday family meals to cookouts, parties and potluck gatherings, and holiday dinners.

Bean salad is easy to make, and is a budget friendly recipe. You'll only need a few cans of beans and some basic staple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry to create a tasty and nutritious cold salad treat that is sure to be an instant hit.

Delicious Marinated Bean Salad

Ingredients for Marinade

• 1 cup of salad oil
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1 cup of sugar or Splenda
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper

Directions for Marinade

Place all ingredients for marinade into a medium bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined.

Ingredients for Salad

• 1 can of cut green beans
• 1 can of cut wax beans
• 1 can of chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans)
• 1 can of red kidney beans
• 1 can of lima beans
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 large onion

Directions for Salad

Open each can of beans and drain liquid. Place beans into a large bowl that has a tight fitting lid. Cut the onion into thin slices and add to the bowl. Pour marinade into bowl. Toss to combine. Place the lid on the bowl and place in the refrigerator. Allow to marinate for at least 8 hours before serving, but preferably let it sit for 24 hours before serving. The flavor changes as it marinates longer. This dish will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Easy Variations

Change Bean Types -- It's easy to vary bean salad to meet your tastes, or those of your friends and family members. If someone doesn't like a particular type of bean, simply leave it out completely or substitute another variety in its place.

Additional Ingredients – Consider adding different ingredients to vary the recipe. There are several ways to spice this recipe up with different flavors. For example, stir in a can of whole kernel corn (being sure to drain the liquid off first) or stir in a jar of chopped pimentos. You may also want to add sliced red or green bell pepper strips.

Flavor Varieties – If you like spicy dishes, consider substituting cayenne pepper for the black pepper, or use Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning instead of the salt and pepper. You can also use your favorite variety of wine or balsamic vinegar instead of plain white vinegar.