Mama’s Famous Bean Salad

This easy Bean Salad recipe is famous in our house, and for good reason! Quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing to potlucks!

Ever since I can remember, my mom has always made this Mexican Bean Salad recipe for any sort of neighborhood party or cookout.  Which is to say, this Bean Salad defines my childhood about as much as this Taco Soup does.

Clearly my family has a thing with beans.

We always eat this bean salad as a dip with tortilla chips, but after making the recipe for myself for the first time,  I was left with way more than little ole me could finish off alone.  

And not being one to ever waste food, I experimented and found that this bean stuff can go in salads, tacos, quesadillas, omelets…you name it!  So without further ado, Mama’s Famous Bean Salad!

Ingredients for Mexican Bean Salad

• Beans: All the beans! We’ll use a combination of red beans (either pinto or kidney) and black beans.
• Pepper: All the peppers! Jalapeno brings zing while red bell pepper adds crunch.
• Corn: Fresh, from a can, or even frozen. Anything goes!
• Onion: We’ll use red onions, but you could also use shallots.
• Cilantro: Negotiably the most important ingredient. Don’t skimp on this one!
• Vinegar dressing: Tying everything together with a quick spiced vinegar dressing.

How to make this bean salad

Making this bean salad is ridiculously easy and has just a few short steps. It goes something like this:

1. Mix dressing ingredients
2. Mix salad ingredients
3. Mix everything together

And the best part about this bean salad is it somehow gets better over time. The beans marinate in the vinegar dressing, making for the most flavorful bowl of yum!

What to pair with this bean salad

I love eating it as a chip dip, but you could also serve this Mexican-inspired bean salad with these Enchilada Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (meal prep-able!), spooned over these vegan “Pulled Pork” Nachos, or to add more flavor to Huevos Rancheros!