Are you trying to decide on what to serve with bean salad? We’ve compiled an incomparable list of the best dishes to pair with this beloved classic salad.
Served as a side or main dish, bean salad comprises a combination of three beans, onions, celery, and tomatoes. The beans traditionally included are red kidney, black, and cannellini beans, but other varieties can be used.
The salad is usually dressed with a vinaigrette dressing and garnished with chopped fresh parsley. And the result is a healthful, earthy, and refreshing dish perfect for a summer picnic or potluck dinner.
What to Serve With Bean Salad
When finding the perfect accompaniment for bean salad, it’s best to source dishes that won’t overpower the flavor of the beans. You’ll want flavors that compliment the earthy beans and acidic vinaigrette dressing. And the perfect pairings should also marry well with the creamy and crunchy textures of the salad ingredients.
The following dishes will make perfect companions, elevating your bean salad for optimal enjoyment.
Flame-Grilled Steak
Flame-grilled steak is the perfect accompaniment to bean salad. The rich, smokey taste of the steak pairs perfectly with the light, fresh flavors of the salad. And the juicy, tender texture of the meat will bring balance to the creamy beans and crisp vegetables.
When preparing your flame-grilled steak, we advise that you cook it medium-rare or medium. This will ensure that the steak is juicy and not too tough. For the best results, serve the steak hot off the grill with your bean salad.
BBQ Chicken Wings
BBQ chicken wings and bean salad are a great match. The sweet BBQ basting offers the perfect contrast to the acidity of the bean salad dressing. And the rich flavors of the chicken and an excellent counter to the freshness of the salad.
When preparing the chicken wings, it’s best to grill them over medium-high heat until they are cooked through. A slight char on the outside will add a smokey, caramelized dimension to the overall taste.
Creamy Potato Salad
What better way to support your fresh, crisp, and creamy bean salad than with a tangy, velvety potato salad. The potato salad’s creaminess will offset the vinaigrette’s sharpness in the bean salad. And the mild, fluffy potatoes will offer a nice contrast to the bean salad’s numerous textures.
What’s more, is that both dishes can be prepared well ahead of time and served cold. When preparing creamy potato salad, use Yukon gold potatoes for their sweetness and creaminess. Add sour cream, Dijon mustard, and freshly chopped chives for some added tanginess.
Oven-Roasted Pork Chops
The sweet and salty flavors of oven-roasted pork chops are ideal for serving with bean salad. These juicy and perfectly tender chops deliver loads of drool-worthy flavor. They will highlight the creamy texture and slight sweetness of the beans. They’ll also accentuate the crunchy elements in the salad.
Oven-roasted pork chops can be marinated with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Roasting them at a medium heat will help retain the meat’s natural juices. It’s best to serve your oven-roasted pork chops when hot.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Not only are twice-baked potatoes delicious, but they’re also the perfect complement to a bean salad. The fact that they’re twice-baked means they’ll be nice and crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. These qualities mimic and compliment the creamy beans, crisp onions, and celery of the salad.
After baking, the soft insides of the potatoes are scraped out. This is mashed and mixed with milk, butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits. The mixture is then scooped back into the potato skins, topped with grated cheese, and baked again.
The cheese, sour cream, and butter make the overall flavor somewhat rich, which is a nice contrast to the fresh salad.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is an absolute classic and familiar accompaniment for bean salad. The sweetness of the corn pairs nicely with the savory beans. And the smoky flavor of the corn after grilling adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
This side dish is also easy to prepare. Simply brush the corn with a bit of olive oil, season, and grill until the kernels are slightly charred. Serve your grilled corn immediately to ensure it’s enjoyed at its best.
Conclusion
Any number of dishes could make an ideal partner for your refreshingly healthy bean salad. Bean salad is a dish for all seasons, and most meats and vegetables will pair well with it. In fact, when determining what to serve with bean salad, the sky is the limit.