Oftentimes, the classic recipes have earned that reputation for good reason. Today’s recipe is exactly one of those: an easy and simple salad that has been a crowdpleaser for generations. This Old-Fashioned Red Bean Salad is hearty, dependable, and built around flavors that just make sense together. It’s cool, creamy, and lightly tangy, with a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. Made with pantry staples and just a little chopping, it’s a recipe that proves you don’t need anything fancy to make something truly good.
The base of this salad is red kidney beans, which are hearty, filling, and perfect for soaking up flavor. Chopped celery adds a fresh crunch, while green onions bring just enough bite to keep things interesting. Everything gets tossed together in one big bowl, making this a low-effort dish that comes together in minutes.
What really ties it all together is the creamy dressing. Mayo gives it richness, while a touch of sugar and white vinegar create that classic sweet-and-tangy balance. Coriander adds a subtle warmth you might not expect, and salt and black pepper round everything out. It’s simple, but it works beautifully with the beans and vegetables.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
- Add beans, celery, and green onions to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sugar, vinegar, coriander, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Makes 12 servings
WeightWatchers Points: 4 Points per serving (12 servings)