Zesty Three Bean Salad (Fan Favorite!)

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans are lower in calories and pinto beans are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with health benefits, while canola is more budget-friendly.

red wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has health benefits and white vinegar is often cheaper.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder provides flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Slice bell peppers in half, core them, and place on a baking sheet.

Broil the bell peppers until the skins are charred and puffed up, then let cool and peel.

Chop the roasted and fresh bell peppers, and add them to a large bowl.

Add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the bowl.

Rinse and drain a 15-ounce can of light red kidney beans, a can of black beans, and a can of garbanzo beans, then add to the bowl.

Add about 1 cup of chopped red onion and 3 minced cloves of garlic to the bowl.

Add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper to taste, and mix everything together.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, and hot sauce to taste.

Pour the vinaigrette over the bean and pepper mixture and mix well.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary