If there was one dish that summed up summer it would be ‘Salad’. Light, refreshing, cool tastes and unlimited possibilities: with meat, without meat, potaotes, pasta, leafy greens, fruit and of course we can’t forget bean.
I used ‘McKenzie’s Four Bean Mix’ for this recipe, kindly supplied by the good people at McKenzie. It’s a mix of Red Kidney Beans, Green Baby Lima Beans, Cannellini Beans and my favorite the Chickpea. The beans are a great combination and the contrast of colours make this salad instantly appealing.
I made the ‘Four Bean Summer Salad’ to share with my Great Aunt, Great Uncle and Grandmother and was shocked to hear they had never tried a bean salad before. It’s safe to say that by they end of lunch they were officially converted to bean salad lovers and were more than happy to have the left overs for tea.
It surprises me sometimes that people can go through their lives without experiencing some of the best food the world has to offer. Food is an exploration for me, just like travelling or expanding ones minds through reading /cinema / music, my taste buds are on the never ending journey to conquer anything and everything edible.
I think this generation is extremely lucky and is perhaps the generation best versed in worldly cuisine to date with all kinds of food readily available at local supermarkets or at the wide range of restaurants just waiting for our business.
For more details on McKenzie’s Four Bean Mix visit the McKenzie’s website.
Four Bean Summer Salad
Serves 8 as a side
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 375g (13 oz) packet of McKenzie’s Four Bean Mix
- 4 spring onions (scallions) sliced thinly
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green capsicum, deseeded and diced
- 1 avocado, deseeded and chopped
For the dressing:
- 2tbs lemon juice
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2tbs olive oil
- 1tsp crushed garlic
- 2tbs hot water
Method
- Prepare the McKenzie’s Four Bean Mix as suggested on the back of the packet.
- Place all the ingredients for the salad in a large bowl.
- To make dressing, whisk all ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour over salad and toss gentle to coat. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Argh- This would go really well with some mexican food! Might just use this tomorrow night. Yum.
Looks light and delicious! Perfect for a taco night.
Yes, I do think this would go well with a Mexican night especially with the Avocado!
I love four bean salad, it’s so healthy and filling!
I love beans, and these beans look so yummy in the summer salad. The only time I would use canned beans, in case of emergency, when I don’t have time…but we must make time to cook them up fresh, they’re so good, and good for you.
Thank you for sharing!
Beans salad? I am in! It sounds very healthy and yummy. I love the dressing too.
I’m 100% known for making unseasonal dishes because I miss the other seasons. This bean salad looks delish and I miss summer.
This summer salad is rich and protein packed. Adding avocado makes more colorful and tasty. Loved the dressing to.
I love that you’re making a summer salad in the fall. I should make this today. It will make me feel better as I watch the cold rain outside my window.
Sounds lovely, perfect salad for a summer picnic!
Mmmm, it looks so fresh and colorful! I love the simplicity of the dressing . . . plus, I’m a sucker for anything with avocado in it.
This looks so delicious. I’ve never had a bean salad before but I’m in with the avocado. My mother-in-law is a vegan – I will have to pass this on to her.
A great mix and a lovely salad!
Cheers,
Rosa
I love the bean salad – in fact I made one just last week. So good for you too!! I have never made it with dried beans – must try that as it will give it a little extra crunch.
Thanks for your lovely comments yesterday!
What a beautiful salad!Sounds absolutely delicious!
Oh yes, I’m with you Susan, I think we’re so lucky to have so much food to explore and try. Generations past didn’t have the variety that’s for sure but they sure knew a thing or two about eating seasonally.
Lovin’ your bean salad.., they’re always a winner
This looks soooo good. Perfect for a warm summer night!!
This looks and sounds delicious! I am glad you were able to introduce your family to it too! We are blessed to be living in a time where so many more cuisines and foods are available to us. Thank you for sharing!
Susan, I think I could live off of your delicious and colorful salad alone!
I really like salad with beans. It makes it more elegant and tasty. This reminds me of summer and really wish it was here again. This dish would go well with some holiday dishes as well. Thanks for the recipe.
It’s still 80 degrees here, so this looks like the perfect fall dinner for me!
I adore beans and love the mix of flavors.
I love a good bean salad, but I usually use canned beans. I’ll have to try the dry ones next time.
beans and salad. This sounds and looks like one of those model healthy meals!
great salad need to use beans more in salads Rebecca
Yes, this is right up my alley, love all the ingredients and flavours in this.