For a light and healthy meal, bean salad is a great option. It can be a filling and satisfying main dish packed with protein and fiber.
So you’ve prepared a bean salad, but you’re not sure what dishes to serve with bean salad to make it shine.
Try 7 of my favorite, excellent pairings with your bean salad dish and take it to the next level.
14 Best Complements to Serve with Bean Salad
1. Spicy Sausage & Sweet Potato Salad
One my favorite pairs that perfectly goes well with bean salad, plus it is perfect for Fall weather. The spiciness of the sausage is offset by the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes, while the bean salad ties everything together with its heartiness and creaminess.
To really bring out the flavors, we recommend grilling the sausage and roasting the sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grilled Chicken & Cucumber Tomato Salad
This is a classic combination because it always hits the spot.
The fatty, juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the light, refreshing bean salad. The cool, crisp cucumber tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled chicken, while the bean salad brings a touch of creaminess and heartiness to the dish.
Plus, it’s a relatively simple dish to prepare, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
3. Salmon and Avocado Salad
Want a pair for summertime with bean salad, then try salmon-avocado. The tangy, rich texture flawlessly fits with the beans.
The healthy fats in the salmon and avocado help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes in the bean salad, while the dill adds a touch of brightness.
We recommend grilling or pan-searing the salmon for extra flavor.
4. Soup- Easy & Robust
Soup is always a good option when you’re unsure what to serve. It’s filling enough to constitute a meal on its own, but it also complements bean salad.
Just make sure to choose a soup with complementary flavors; for example, a tomato soup would pair nicely with a bean salad with lots of fresh herbs.
5. Roasted vegetables – Best for Vegetarians
Another great option for bean salad is roasted vegetables. You can roast just about any vegetable, but I recommend strong ones like potatoes, carrots, and squash. They’ll stand up well to the beans and complement their flavor perfectly.
6. Roasted Mushrooms
Another best bet for vegans or vegetarians is roasted mushrooms give a similar effect to grilled chicken or steak.
Try pairing bean salad with roasted portobello mushrooms, although you can try your favorite ones too.
The earthy flavors of the mushrooms will pair well with the beans, and the roasted vegetable will add a nice touch of sweetness. Whatever you choose, enjoy your delicious bean salad!
7. Olives
For a Mediterranean twist, add some olives to your salad. Kalamata olives would be especially good in this dish.
8. Simple Tomatoes can Enhance Bean Salad
Fresh diced tomatoes add sweetness and color to bean salad. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
9. Flank Steak
Try pairing bean salad with grilled flank steak. The steak’s protein will help balance the carbohydrates in the beans, while the savory flavors will complement the herbs in the salad.
10. Sausage
For a heartier dish, sausage makes a great addition to bean salad. Try pairing it with a milder sausage like chicken or turkey sausage.
11. Canned tuna
Canned tuna is a budget-friendly option and is a great way to add protein to your salad. Look for tuna packed in olive oil for extra flavor.
12. Arugula with Radicchio
Arugula and radicchio mixed with cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
The peppery greens complement the creamy white beans, while the acidity in the vinaigrette helps to brighten the flavors.
13. Feta cheese
Feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to bean salad. Try crumbled goat cheese as a similar alternative.
14. Balsamic vinegar
This classic dressing is the perfect finishing touch for a bean salad. Don’t forget to add some freshly ground black pepper for extra zing!
What do you eat black beans with?
It’s no mystery that black beans are a versatile and delicious ingredient. They can go with various pairs, from hearty stews to light salads.
One of the easiest ways to relish black beans is to make a simple salad. Combine cooked black beans with chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. This salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish.
Black beans also make a great addition to soup. Try adding them to your favorite vegetable soup recipe. Or, for a heartier option, try making black bean soup.
Simply simmer cooked black beans in chicken or vegetable broth until tender. Then puree the soup until smooth and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. Serve with sour cream and diced avocado for a truly delicious meal.
Black beans are the perfect ingredient for making veggie burgers. Just combine cooked black beans with bread crumbs, diced onion, and spices.
Form into patties and cook until browned on both sides. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings or enjoy as is – either way, you’re sure to love these delicious veggie burgers!
Another best way to enjoy black beans is in a Mexican-style rice dish. To make this dish, simply cook rice according to the package directions, then stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Use black beans in a quesadilla. Simply spread black beans on a tortilla, then top it with cheese and another tortilla.
Cook until the cheese is softened and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with sour cream and salsa for a delicious and nutritious meal.
FAQs
What is the Best dressing for bean salad?
While there are many different ways to dress a bean salad, one of the best options is a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and spices or a vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and mustard.
This dressing will not only add flavor to the salad but will also help to keep the beans nice and crispy.
The dressing pairs especially well with cannellini beans but can also be used with other types of beans, such as chickpeas or black beans.
Another great option for dressing a bean salad is a creamy yogurt-based dressing. This dressing can be enhanced with herbs and spices, which will help hold the salad together while adding a bit of creaminess.
The dressing should be light and bright, with a bit of acidity to offset the richness of the beans.
And best, the salad should be finished with a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a touch of flavor.
What meat goes with beans?
When it comes to choosing meat to pair with beans, different types of meat go well with different types of beans.
-Pinto beans go well with ham, bacon, or sausage.
-Black beans complementary to beef, pork, grilled chicken, or fish.
-Great northern beans go well with lamb or veal.
-Red kidney beans would pair well with any type of hearty beef or beef stew.
-Navy beans go well with ham or bacon.
-Lima beans go well with ham, bacon, or sausage.
-Garbanzo beans go well with lamb, chicken, or beef.
-Black-eyed peas go well with ham, bacon, or sausage.
-Cannellini beans go well with lamb, chicken, or beef.
Note- Choosing a smoked sausage or ham would be ideal if you want a bold and spicy dish. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more mellow flavor, then opting for bacon or ground beef would be better. Try different combinations of meats and beans to find the perfect match for your meal.
