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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Vegan Bean Salad

    Published: Apr 28, 2023 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This vegan bean salad is my biggest summer hit. It's filled with fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy avocado for a vegan twist on cowboy caviar. Perfect with chips, veggies or on its own!

    Vegan bean salad served with a lime slice.

    Not all salads need a ton of greens, and this vegan bean salad is a true testament. There may not be a leafy green in sight, but it's still packed with nutrition. I love this recipe because it's my twist on a vegan cowboy caviar, meaning you can enjoy it as a dip in addition to a salad. Super versatile and perfect for bringing to any potlucks, picnics, or just enjoying on a warm summer evening.

    This bean salad is an amazing vegan/vegetarian meal prep option as well. Unlike a typical salad with leafy greens, it's sturdy in the fridge and tastes even better the longer it sits. Thanks to all the beans, it's even got a whopping 12g of fibre and 10g of plant-based protein per serving! It only takes 30 minutes, minimal dishes and uses shelf stable ingredients- checking all my meal prep boxes.

    Whether you enjoy this bean salad as a salad or a vegan cowboy caviar, it's sure to impress all your friends and family!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for vegan bean salad including corn, avocado, tomato, beans, red onion and spices.
    • Black beans
    • Black eyed peas
    • Avocado
    • Red onion
    • Roma tomatoes
    • Corn kernels
    • Cilantro
    • Lime
    • Olive oil
    • Cumin
    • Garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper

    Instructions

    Combining black beans, black eyed peas, avocados, red onions, tomatoes, corn and cilantro in a bowl.

    In a large bowl, combine black beans, black eyed peas, avocados, red onions, tomatoes, corn and cilantro.

    Adding lime juice, olive oil and season with cumin, black pepper, salt and garlic pepper to bean salad.

    Add lime juice, olive oil and season with cumin, black pepper, salt and garlic pepper.

    Adjust seasonings to desired taste preference.

    Mixing vegan cowboy caviar.

    Serve with vegetables, chips or crackers and enjoy!

    Substitutions and Variations

    To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, however if you have Celiac disease you may need to use certified gluten-free beans.

    To make vegan: This recipe is vegan.

    To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.

    Mixing up ingredients? Try these:

    • Black beans and black eyed peas: Any beans work in this recipe. Whether it's chickpeas or lentils, whatever is in your pantry can be used! You can even try shelled edamame for a higher protein option.
    • Veggies: Add some diced bell peppers and cucumbers for an extra veggie boost.

    Note that dried beans can also be used, once prepared according to package directions.

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowls

    Storage

    This vegan bean salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Thanks to the lime juice, the avocado won't brown!

    Top Tip

    This is one of those salads that tastes better the longer it is allowed to marinate in the dressing. If you are making this for a potluck or party, I recommend making it in advance to allow the flavours to soak in before serving!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I don't like cilantro, do I need to add it?

    Don’t worry- although I think it really adds to the flavour profile of this salad, it isn’t an integral part! If you aren’t a cilantro lover, simply leave it out.

    Why do I need to rinse my beans?

    Canned beans are stored in a mixture of water and salt to help preserve them. Over time, the beans will naturally release starch into the liquid the longer they are stored. Rinsing canned beans can help reduce the sodium quantity you are eating and improves the texture of the dishes you are using them in.

    Another amazing benefit of rinsing beans is improved digestibility, as our bodies can have a hard time digesting certain types of starch present in the liquid.

    Is this vegan bean salad a dip or a salad?

    The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it’s both! Think of it as a vegan cowboy caviar- it makes an amazing healthy summer dip if served with tortilla chips, but it can also be eaten alone.

    How can I make this a balanced meal?

    This is a great high protein and fibre option that also contains healthy fats and some colour. However, there aren't a TON of veggies, so I recommend pairing this with some chopped vegetables or adding it to a salad or burrito bowl for the perfect filling and satisfying meal!

    How else can I enjoy this vegan bean salad?

    Aside from eating it alone or as a dip, I love adding it as a topping to salads, bowls, and wraps.

    Vegan cowboy caviar served with chips.

    More Summer Salad Recipes

    I'm all about delicious salads this summer! You'll want to try these next:

    • Arugula Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette
    • Santa Fe Salad
    • Thai Inspired Chopped Salad
    • Tahini Kale Salad

    PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this vegan bean salad, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan bean salad served with a lime slice.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Vegan Bean Salad

    This vegan bean salad is my biggest summer hit. It's filled with fresh veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy avocado for a vegan twist on cowboy caviar. Perfect with chips, veggies or on its own!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time29 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: 30 minute meals, Make Ahead, meal prep, salads, vegan
    Servings: 8

    Ingredients 

    • 1x 16 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
    • 1x 16 oz can black eyed peas rinsed and drained
    • 2 medium avocados peeled, pitted and diced
    • ½ cup red onion diced
    • 1 cup roma tomatoes diced (about 3 roma tomatoes)
    • ¾ cup corn kernels
    • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime ¼ cup lime juice
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, combine black beans, black eyed peas, avocados, red onions, tomatoes, corn and cilantro.
    • Add lime juice, olive oil and season with cumin, black pepper, salt and garlic pepper. Adjust seasonings to desired taste preference.
    • Serve with vegetables, chips or crackers and enjoy!

    Notes

    *I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don't forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 687mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 341IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?I love seeing my recipes in action! Don't forget to tag me @nourishedbynic or use the hashtag #nourishedbynic!

    More Salads

    • Arugula quinoa salad dressed with lemon caesar vinaigrette
      Arugula Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette
    • Mexican tuna salad served with chips and cucumbers.
      Mexican Tuna Salad
    • Thai chopped salad in a bowl.
      Thai Chopped Salad (Meal Prep Friendly)
    • Tossed tahini kale salad.
      The BEST Tahini Kale Salad

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    Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc

    I’m Nicole, a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes. After years of struggling to find balance I have finally found that there is a way nourish your body while also fueling your soul.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

    More about me →

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