Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad

Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad

Chickpea and beans salad with onions and jalapeño on a white plate.If you’re looking for a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish that comes together quickly and keeps you satisfied, this cilantro lime marinated bean recipe is a must-try. Bursting with zesty citrus and fresh herbs, this dish is as vibrant as it is nourishing. Using a combination of chickpeas and cannellini beans, it delivers a satisfying texture and a refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with tacos, grain bowls, or even as a stand-alone salad. It’s a simple yet versatile recipe that’s ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.

A whole red onion, a half lime, 2 fresh jalapenos, and a bunch of cilantro on a wooden board over a white surface.

The Power of Beans

Beans are nutritional powerhouses, rich in plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and most notably—fiber. Chickpeas and cannellini beans both offer generous amounts of fiber, which plays a vital role in digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. But beyond fiber, beans are also packed with essential nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They’re a cost-effective, heart-healthy addition to any diet and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

A combination of canned chickpeas and cannellini beans in a metal bowl.

One of the lesser-known benefits of beans is their role as a source of prebiotics. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive and improve your overall microbiome balance. A healthy gut microbiome supports everything from digestion and immune function to mood regulation and metabolic health. By enjoying meals like these cilantro lime marinated beans, you’re not just treating your taste buds—you’re also nourishing your body from the inside out.

How to Make It Step by Step

I started this recipe by thinly slicing red onions and adding them to a bowl with cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, salt and a few slices of jalapeno for extra kick. The combination of the lime juice and salt will cause the flavor of the raw red onions to mellow out. 

Red onion slices marinating in cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeno, garlic, and salt in a white bowl.

While letting the red onions sit, start making the dressing by combining and blending the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeno, garlic and salt. Blend that all together until creamy and smooth. 

Add the dressing to the red onion mixture, as well as rinsed and drained chickpeas and cannellini beans, and toss everything together. 

This can be eaten right away or stored in the refrigerator to have as a snack all week!

Chickpea and beans salad with onions and jalapeño on a white plate.

Recipe: Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad

Ingredients: 

  • ½ Red onion sliced thinly
  • 3-4 Limes (juice and zest)
  • 1 Jalapeno
  • 1 Bunch cilantro   
  • ½ Cup olive oil
  • 2 Cloves garlic
  • 1 Can chickpeas
  • 1 Can cannellini beans
  • Salt, to taste 

Instructions: 

Thinly slice red onions and half a jalapeno and add to a large bowl. Add the juice and zest of one lime, as well as about half a teaspoon of salt. Allow that to marinate while making the dressing. For the dressing, in a separate bowl, or the blender, add the juice of 2-3 limes, depending how juicy your limes are. It should add up to about ¼- ⅓ cup of lime juice. Add olive oil, as well as a large handful of cilantro, two cloves of raw garlic and about ½ teaspoon of salt. Blend that until smooth and creamy. Add the dressing to the red onion mixture. Rinse and drain both cans of beans and add them. Toss everything together until fully combined and enjoy! 

*This article is intended for informational purposes. The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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