With summer quickly approaching, I have been scrambling for quick side dishes to pair with our meals. There’s nothing worse than firing up the oven, and heating up the entire house when it’s 90 degrees outside. My remedy for this is to serve chilled and or marinated salads. It’s so easy to throw these types of side dishes together at the last minute, and for a crazy busy mom, who’s wearing a hundred plus hats so to speak, this is the winning ticket!
One of my VERY favorite chilled salads to make is Organic Summer Bean Salad aka Garbanzo Bean Salad. Not only is it super easy, but it’s super fast to make and always a crowd pleaser that can potentially feed many. To speed things up, I use my food processor to quickly chop my peppers. If you’re in the market to buy one, I can positively 100% tell you that the Breville Sous Chef Food Processor is the BEST hands down. I’ve used several other brands over the years, and none can even compare to this beauty. Once you go the Breville Sous, you don’t go back! Okay back to the salad….. Below is my fabulous crowd pleasing recipe for this must try salad.
Organic Summer Bean Salad
2 cans Organic Garbanzo Beans, drained
1 Organic Red Bell Pepper
1 Bunch Organic Onion
1-2 Garlic Pods
Fresh Organic Cilantro
2/4 c. Olive Oil
1 c. Braggs Vinegar
1-2 T. Raw Unfiltered Honey
2 T. Water
Sea Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Drain the beans in a colander. Meanwhile, remove the middle/seeds from the red pepper, and cut into 3 chunks. Throw into the food processor with the “s” blade and pulse a few times or until the peppers are medium/fine chopped. *I like mine chopped in medium chunks* Now, chop the green onion including the green stems. In a medium bowl, dump the drained beans, add the peppers & onion. Next press 1-2 garlic pods or mince. Then chop the fresh cilantro and add to the bowl. In a separate bowl mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey, water, sea salt & pepper. Whisk til throughly mixed. Pour over the bean salad mixture and toss well. Let stand in refrigerator for 1 plus hours, and serve!
*Note: This chilled salad is better when it’s been marinating for several hours or even overnight.
If your feeling crazy bold (Hot Chic Style) as I normally am, you can add other spices to the mix for a little kick. I like Chipotle Seasoning, Smoked Paprika and even Fajita Seasoning. I often do this to change it up. BE CREATIVE and experiment!
Bon Appetit!
Organic Sport Chic 