I used to love the 5 bean salad my Grandma used to make for our summer picnic gatherings. I loved it so much in fact, that the other day I when I was in the store I noticed a big jar of it. I immediately picked it up and read the label. Much to my surprise, it was full of “not so great” ingredients such as, High Fructose Corn Syrup and a list of other things I could not read. I was shocked, why? It is bean salad, shouldn’t it be plain and simple?
I thought I could make my own version using fresher ingredients and keep the dressing healthy. Not only is this recipe packed with protein and fiber all on it own, it also goes well as a side to any meat or fish. This is a perfect dish to take to a picnic or potluck and, like all of my recipes it is easy.
Here is my version of Grandma’s 5 Bean Salad…If I know my Grandma, she would have criticized this version but be devouring it as she lectured me on how “I should never change a good thing”. Thank you for the advise Gram, “can I take your clean plate?’
Here is what you will need.. many items you may have in your pantry right now.
1 15oz. can of Black Beans
1 15oz can of Kidney Beans
1 15 oz. can of Chick Peas
7 oz. of Frozen Edamame beans
8 oz. of Haricots Verts or Fresh Green Beans
5 oz. of Greek Feta (Optional)
1 small Onion minced
1/4 cup of Walnut or Olive oil
2 Limes
Salt and Pepper
Drain and rinse the first three ingredients.
Rinse and drain Edamame with warm water.
Cook Haricots Verts in microwave for about 2-3 minutes, remove from microwave and cut in half ( I remove the stringy tip as well)
In a large mixing bowl blend all beans together well.
Meanwhile, mince the onions into very small pieces (you just want flavor, not big chucks of onion)
Mix in the onions.
Then add the lime juice.. I use this lime squeezer that I bought in Mexico (think they have something similar at Amazon for $3.99) it gets every drop of juice out.. love it.
Add oil, salt and pepper, Feta Cheese and stir until very well blended. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
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pinning this yumminess
Thank you Tara!
I second that tweet!
Thank you again for the RT Rebecca!
That looks soooo delish!!! I love all of those ingredients!
Thank you Kierston!
I totally want to make this for an Easter party on April 8…THANKS!
Thank you Cait.. hope you love as much as we do!
love that there’s green beans in it!!
My Family and I love green Beans!
Darn, but that seems like a lot of work! I’d rather work out than cook! So glad you have good grandma memories. http://funandfit.org/2012/03/milk-doesnt-always-come-from-cows-product-review/
Haha! It’s actually really easy.. I’d rather work out than cook as well.. but the fam has to eat!.. thank you stopping by Kymberly!
Yum, Lisa! This looks awesome. I can’t wait to eat feta cheese again… just a few more days left of the vegan challenge!
Thank you Laura!
This looks so good! I love me some lime in my salads. Its often the way I dress my salads or flavor my water.
Christine, Thank you.. I love lime as well. As a girl who grew up in SoCal I am a huge fan of citrus fruits and so much healthier than many dressings.
thats one heck of a salad. I’ve got the GF crackers that would go great with it. On my way over! hehe
Yum that does sound good…LC I have so many GF recipes you might enjoy coming up soon on the site.. thinking of you.. <3
So funny. Some relative used to always bring a 3-bean salad to all our gatherings and I really didn’t like it! But probably b/c it was full of the gross ingredients you mentioned. Yours, on the other hand, sounds fantastic!
And I am going to channel your Helga today at the dentist!