Zesty Garden-Fresh Mixed Bean Salad Recipe for Warm Days

Mixed bean salad dazzles taste buds with its explosive combination of textures and nutrients that redefine mealtime magic.

Legumes transform from humble ingredients into culinary rockstars, packed with protein and endless potential.

Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a flavor explosion that tingles every sense and awakens your palate.

Each colorful spoonful tells a vibrant story of freshness and health, blending Mediterranean-inspired techniques with pure deliciousness.

Nutritionists celebrate this dish as a powerhouse of balanced nutrition that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of taste.

Lightweight yet deeply satisfying, this salad promises to become your new go-to recipe for quick, wholesome eating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Found in Mary Berry Mixed Bean Salad

• Mixed Beans (Kidney, Cannellini, Black Beans): Choose canned beans with no added salt or rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
• Cucumber: Select firm, bright green cucumbers without soft spots or wrinkles for crisp texture.
• Red Onion: Pick firm onions with smooth, shiny skin and no sprouting for the best flavor.

• Vinegar, Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and high-quality vinegar for bright, tangy notes.
• Mustard: Select Dijon or whole grain mustard for a robust, complex taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for enhanced seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting for maximum freshness.
• Capers: Look for brined capers in glass jars for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Dried Oregano: Opt for high-quality, fragrant dried oregano from recent harvest for potent flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): Select pure, organic options to balance dressing's acidity.

Tools Required for Mixed Bean Salad by Mary Berry

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious vessel for combining ingredients and whisking dressing.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for blending vinegar, oil, and seasonings smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing onions and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise vegetable dicing and chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Colander: Helps drain and rinse onions and beans quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently folding ingredients together.
• Refrigerator: Chills salad and allows flavors to develop.

Instructions for Preparing Mixed Bean Salad

• Tame Onion's Bite

Submerge sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes to soften their sharp edge. Drain and rinse thoroughly, transforming them into a milder companion for your salad.

• Whip Up Vibrant Dressing

Create a zesty base by whisking together tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, bold mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. For a touch of sweetness, swirl in a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors.

• Build Flavor-Packed Salad

Toss an array of beans – kidney, cannellini, and black – into the dressing. Fold in crisp cucumber chunks, fragrant parsley, briny capers, and a pinch of dried oregano. Gently mix until every morsel glistens with the vibrant dressing.

• Let Flavors Dance

Nestle the salad in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their taste profile. Serve as a cool, refreshing side or a light meal that sings with Mediterranean spirit. Enjoy within a day for peak deliciousness.

Adjustments to Enhance Mixed Bean Salad Flavor

• Smooth Out Onion's Bite: Soak sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes to dramatically reduce their sharp, intense flavor. This simple trick transforms raw onions into a milder, more palatable ingredient that won't overpower your salad.
• Customize Dressing Depth: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider, red wine, or balsamic to create unique flavor profiles. A splash of honey or maple syrup can soften tangy notes, while a pinch of smoked paprika adds unexpected warmth to the dressing.
• Protein Power Boost: Elevate this bean salad by adding grilled chicken, canned tuna, or crumbled feta cheese for extra protein and texture. Vegetarian options like toasted sunflower seeds or quinoa can provide additional nutritional value and satisfying crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to blend and intensify. Store in an airtight container for up to two days, giving you a quick and delicious meal prep option that saves time and maximizes taste.

Serving Mixed Bean Salad the Mary Berry Way

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or sliced steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create Sandwich Sensation: Scoop the bean salad into whole grain wraps or stuff inside pita bread for a quick and nutritious lunch option.
• Elevate Brunch Spread: Add this vibrant salad to a weekend brunch table, complementing frittatas, quiches, or eggs benedict for a fresh and colorful side.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics, as it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

How to Keep Mixed Bean Salad Fresh

• Store with Care: Transfer the bean salad to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent flavor contamination.
• Refrigeration Magic: Keeps perfectly chilled for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, with flavors intensifying and melding beautifully over time.
• Smart Serving Tip: Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive its vibrant taste and texture.
• Freezing Caution: Not recommended due to cucumber and fresh herbs losing their crisp texture and becoming watery when thawed.

Vibrant Mary Berry Mixed Bean Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mary Berry’s mixed bean salad combines hearty legumes with zesty herbs and crisp vegetables for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish. Quick and nutritious, this salad offers protein-packed ingredients perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 (15-oz/425-g) cans beans, drained and rinsed, or 4 ½ cups cooked beans
• ½ cup (60 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 1 medium cucumber, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3 tbsps drained capers
• ¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

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Instructions

1. Onion Preparation: Soak chopped onions in ice water for 5 minutes to reduce sharp flavor, then drain completely and pat dry, softening their intense profile.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey in a large mixing bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated, creating a balanced flavor foundation.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine white beans, rinsed onions, cucumber, parsley, capers, and dried oregano into the prepared vinaigrette, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop a complex, harmonious taste profile. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and enhance the overall flavor complexity.

Notes

• Mellow Onion Technique: Soak chopped onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness and create a gentler flavor profile.
• Balanced Vinaigrette Hack: Whisk honey or maple syrup into the dressing to soften vinegar’s acidity and create a smoother taste experience.
• Marination Magic: Refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Herb Freshness Tip: Use freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for maximum aromatic impact and vibrant green color in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg