If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a surprising twist, you’re in for a treat with this Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe. Imagine hearty, fiber-rich legumes mingling with creamy mozzarella pearls, crisp veggies, and a zesty everything bagel seasoning-inspired vinaigrette that ties it all together. The best part? This vibrant salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or meal prepping a tasty, wholesome lunch or side dish. Trust me, once you try this salad, it won’t just be a onetime thing—it’s going to be your go-to recipe for a fresh, satisfying meal packed with big personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and come together beautifully. Each one brings something special to the table: from the tender beans and crunchy veggies to the creamy mozzarella balls and that unmistakable pop of everything bagel seasoning in the vinaigrette.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for the tangy vinaigrette that envelops the salad.
- Red vinegar: Adds a sharp, bright acidity that balances the creamy and earthy elements.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for perfect texture.
- Poppy seeds and sesame seeds: The essential crunch and nuttiness inspired by everything bagel seasoning.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and dill: Infuse the dressing with herbaceous and savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Canned chickpeas and white beans: Protein-packed and fiber-rich, these legumes give the salad its hearty feel.
- Celery, green bell pepper, and English cucumber: Offer crispness and fresh color contrast that brighten every bite.
- Chopped chives: A mild onion flavor that lifts the whole salad with freshness.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls: Add creamy, milky softness that perfectly complements the beans and veggies.
How to Make Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Vinaigrette
Start by combining your olive oil, red vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth, vibrant, and fragrant with that unmistakable everything bagel seasoning aroma. This vinaigrette is what elevates the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Drain and rinse the chickpeas and white beans thoroughly to avoid any excess moisture that could water down your salad. Then, finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, and English cucumber to create a crisp, refreshing crunch in every bite. Chop the chives and measure out your mozzarella pearls so everything is ready to come together quickly.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Pour your freshly whisked vinaigrette over the top and gently toss to coat every ingredient with that flavorful dressing. You can serve this salad immediately if you prefer a bright, fresh crunch, or chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe really pop, try sprinkling a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley or additional chives can add a lovely green touch and extra flavor brightness. A few lemon wedges on the side give guests a zesty squeeze option for an extra burst of acidity.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled proteins like chicken or fish, and also pairs wonderfully with crusty whole grain bread or pita for a satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s a great side to heavy mains because it’s light but filling, adding freshness and an exciting flavor profile to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant presentation, serve this bean salad layered in clear glass jars or mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. Or, pile it onto leafy greens for a composed salad bowl that adds a little visual drama at the table. You can even stuff it into pita pockets or serve it as a topping on crostini for a delightful appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, keep the vinaigrette separate until just before serving if making ahead to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, toss everything fresh for that crisp, fresh texture and bold flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad because the texture of the fresh veggies and mozzarella will suffer. The beans will be fine, but the salad will lose its crunchy, fresh appeal once thawed, so it’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you like, you can bring the beans to room temperature before tossing with the dressing for a mellow experience. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled or fresh for maximum flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak your dried beans overnight and cook them until tender before using. Keep in mind that one cup of dried beans yields about 2 to 3 cups cooked, which equals roughly one 15-ounce can.
How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?
Be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse your beans and pat your diced veggies dry with a paper towel before mixing. Also, if you plan to make it in advance, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad right before serving.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, you can easily swap out the mozzarella pearls for a plant-based alternative or omit the cheese altogether. The salad will still have plenty of flavor and a satisfying texture thanks to the beans and robust vinaigrette.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vinegar and check your seasoning ingredients for any additives.
What’s the best way to store the dressing?
Store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Final Thoughts
This Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves packing big flavor into quick, wholesome meals. It’s satisfying, easy to throw together, and full of vibrant ingredients that will keep you coming back for more. I can’t recommend it enough for meal prep, casual lunches, or simply whenever you’re craving something fresh, delicious, and delightfully different. Grab your favorite bowl and get mixing—you’re about to find your new favorite salad!
Print
Everything Bagel Bean Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Everything Bagel Bean Salad is a vibrant and protein-packed dish that combines fiber-rich chickpeas and white beans with creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh diced vegetables, and a zesty, everything bagel-inspired vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick meal prep or a hearty side salad that breaks the mold of boring salads.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60 mL)
- 2 Tbsp red vinegar (30 mL)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dill
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (425 g)
- 1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed (425 g)
- 1 cup finely diced celery, about 3 stalks
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 English cucumber, finely diced
- 4 Tbsp finely chopped chives
- 1 8-oz package fresh mozzarella pearls (226 g)
Instructions
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined to create the everything bagel vinaigrette.
- Prep Salad Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas and white beans thoroughly to avoid excess water. Finely dice the celery, green bell pepper, and English cucumber. Chop the chives and measure out mozzarella pearls.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, diced vegetables, chopped chives, and mozzarella pearls. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: The salad can be served immediately fresh or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. It also holds well for meal prep when keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Can I use dried beans? Yes! Soak dried beans overnight and cook them until tender before use. One cup of dried beans yields about 2 to 3 cups cooked, approximately equal to one 15-oz can.
- How do I keep the salad from getting watery? Thoroughly drain and rinse the beans and pat the diced vegetables dry before tossing with the dressing. Store the dressing separately if making ahead.
- Storage: This salad is ideal for make-ahead meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Combine the salad and vinaigrette just before serving for best texture.
