When you’re in a hurry but still want to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal, this quick bean salad is the perfect solution. With just a can of beans and a few simple ingredients, including garlic, you can whip up a brilliant salad in just 5 minutes. This salad is not only easy to make but also packed with protein, fiber, and delicious flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of beans (black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas work well)

• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 small cucumber, diced

• 1/2 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon or lime

• 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/2 avocado, diced or crumbled feta cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Drain and Rinse the Beans: Open the can of beans, drain them in a colander, and rinse under cold water. This helps remove excess sodium and any canning liquid, which can affect the flavor.

• Chop the Vegetables: While the beans are draining, chop the red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and herbs. Mince the garlic cloves.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the drained beans, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Toss everything together until well combined.

3. Dress the Salad:

• Add Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: Drizzle the lemon or lime juice over the salad, followed by the olive oil. This simple dressing adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the beans and garlic perfectly.

• Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad again to ensure the dressing and seasoning are evenly distributed.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Optional Add-Ins: If you want to make the salad more substantial, you can add diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese on top.

• Serve: The salad can be served immediately, or you can let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Best Results:

• Choose Your Beans: Feel free to use any type of canned beans you prefer or have on hand. Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas all work great in this recipe.

• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a burst of flavor to the salad, but you can also use other herbs like basil or dill depending on your preference.

• Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep.

Why This Salad Is Brilliant:

• Quick and Easy: It takes just 5 minutes to throw this salad together, making it perfect for busy days or when you need a quick meal.

• Nutritious: Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants.

• Versatile: You can customize this salad with whatever vegetables or herbs you have on hand, and it pairs well with a variety of main dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.

Conclusion

This 5-minute bean salad with garlic is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for any meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish, a light lunch, or a nutritious snack, this salad delivers on all fronts. Enjoy!