Marinated Bean Salad

If you’re broke, it’s very likely you have a can of beans in your pantry. Any kind of beans. Well guess what? You’re about to fancy-fy that can o’ beans and make a really delicious dish.  Beans salads are: 

• Super cheap
• Long-lasting and durable (perfect for a work or travel lunch) 
• Extremely versatile 
• Easy side dish for vegetarians or vegans
• Or easily turned into a hearty, meaty side dish
• Very easy and quick to make

Here’s the idea with marinated bean salads. Mix any kind of beans with chopped vegetables, oil, vinegar, herbs, and anything else! I recommend adding fresh, chopped vegetables for some crunchy texture. Vinegar and herbs keep it light and fresh. I’ll show you my recipe but the whole point of this article to show you how easy it is to make up your own salad recipe!

Greek Marinated Butter Bean Salad

• 1 Can of large butter beans, drained
• 2 T. Finely chopped red onion
• 2 T. Finely chopped green pepper
• 2 T. Feta cheese
• 1 T. Balsamic vinegar
• 1 T. Olive oil
• 1/2 t. Ground pepper
• 1/2 t. Freshly grated garlic

You can eat this salad as a main dish or side dish. It can be eaten immediately or can be kept in the fridge for up to about 4-5 days. 

Bean Ideas: 

• Butter beans
• Garbanzo beans
• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Green beans
• Edamame 
• Black eyed peas
• Cannellini Beans
• White northern beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Chopped Vegetable Ideas:  

• Red onion
• Green onion
• Green pepper or other pepper
• Jalapeno pepper
• Corn
• Brussel sprouts
• Raw zucchini or squash
• Tomatoes
• Fennel
• Pretty much any vegetable you want, let’s be honest. 

Vinegar and Liquid Ideas:  

• Balsamic vinegar
• Red wine vinegar (my preference)
• White vinegar
• Soy sauce and sesame oil
• Teriyaki sauce
• Olive oil
• Tomato sauce
• Salsa
• Sweet chili sauce
• Any salad dressing
• Anything that floats your boat. 

Meat and Cheese Ideas: 

• Salami 
• Pepperoni 
• Chicken
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Cubed ham
• Turkey 
• Feta 
• Swiss, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, parmesan 

• Don’t forget fresh herbs!