18 Classic Kidney Bean Salad Recipes

I keep a few cans of kidney beans in my pantry for days when I need to make a filling side dish or a quick protein-packed lunch. They have a firm texture and a mild taste that goes well with so many other ingredients.

These salads are my reliable choices for potlucks, barbecues, or just for having something ready in the fridge that can last for a few days.

1. Classic Three Bean Salad

Kidney beans, green beans, and wax beans in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. This is the vintage picnic salad I make most often.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 9g

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2. Simple Kidney Bean and Onion Salad

A humble mix of beans, thinly sliced red onion, and parsley in a red wine vinaigrette. It’s surprisingly good with grilled meats.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 11g

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3. Italian Style Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and olives. An Italian herb vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 12g

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4. Tuna and Kidney Bean Salad

A hearty protein mix of canned tuna and kidney beans with celery and red onion. A lemon-Dijon dressing keeps it light.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 25g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 10g

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5. Sweet and Spicy Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with corn, bell pepper, and a dressing made from apple cider vinegar, a little sugar, and chili powder.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 12g

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6. Kidney Bean and Potato Salad

A sturdy salad with boiled potato chunks, kidney beans, and a creamy dill dressing. It’s very filling on its own.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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7. Greek Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. A classic lemon-oregano vinaigrette ties it together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 13g

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8. Creamy Picnic Kidney Bean Salad

A mayo-based dressing with sweet pickle relish and hard-boiled eggs folded into the beans. It’s a creamy, classic side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 9g

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9. Mexican Fiesta Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. I serve this with tortilla chips.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 17g

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10. Moroccan Spiced Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with chopped apricots, toasted almonds, and a warm cumin and cinnamon vinaigrette. It’s sweet, savory, and spiced.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 12g

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11. Kidney Bean and Beet Salad

Diced cooked beets and kidney beans with a simple dill and red onion dressing. The colors are beautiful together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 2g
5. Fiber: 11g

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12. Bacon and Kidney Bean Salad

Warm salad with beans, crispy bacon pieces, and spinach. The warm bacon fat is used in the dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 10g

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13. Curry Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with peas, carrots, and raisins in a creamy curry yogurt dressing. It’s a cool and flavorful side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 12g

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14. Kidney Bean and Rice Salad

A complete meal with beans, cooled cooked rice, peppers, and a herb vinaigrette. Perfect for make-ahead lunches.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 60g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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15. French Lentil and Kidney Bean Salad

A hearty, earthy mix of beans and French lentils with a mustard vinaigrette and fresh parsley.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 20g

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16. Zesty Lemon Garlic Bean Salad

Beans marinated in a strong dressing of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s best made a few hours ahead.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 10g

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17. Summer Vegetable and Kidney Bean Salad

Beans with raw chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in a light basil vinaigrette.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 10g

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18. “Chef’s” Kidney Bean Salad

A hearty, chopped salad with beans, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Italian dressing. It’s a full meal in a bowl.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 9g

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