Kidney Bean Salad
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Kidney bean salad is a quick and easy side dish made with red kidney beans, boiled eggs, red onion, celery, mayo, and sweet pickle relish!
This easy kidney bean salad recipe will surely be your new favorite side dish because it is so easy to throw together and packs so much flavor! It’s perfect for a BBQ and we like this one served with Dr. Pepper pulled pork, loaded potato salad, and hay stacks!
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Kidney Bean Salad
Kidney Bean Salad
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 So simple to throw together!
📌 All the flavors and textures combine to make the perfect side dish!
📌 Easy to make ahead of time.
Kidney Bean Salad Recipe
- Kidney beans – Dark red kidney beans.
- Eggs – Boiled, chopped.
- Onion – Red onion, diced.
- Celery – Diced.
- Mayonnaise – Light or regular mayo, you can also use Miracle Whip.
- Relish – Sweet pickle relish.
- Seasoning – Salt and pepper, to taste.
How do you make kidney bean salad? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, pour the kidney beans into a colander or strainer and rinse well. Combine the kidney beans, eggs, onion and celery into a large bowl.
⭐ Next, add the mayonnaise and relish and stir until everything is well coated and combined.
⭐ Then, season to taste with salt and pepper.
⭐ Finally, serve immediately or store, covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make kidney bean salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
What kind of kidney beans to use?
We used dark red kidney beans because we find they have more flavor but you can also use light red kidney beans if you prefer. Also, make sure to rinse the kidney beans well before adding to the bowl.
What type of pickle relish to use?
This recipe calls for sweet pickle relish but if you are looking for a less sweet, more tangy option, you can use dill pickle relish instead.
Storage and leftovers
How long does kidney bean salad last?
Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Can you freeze kidney bean salad?
We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Tips and tricks
✅ Swap real mayo for Miracle Whip for a tangier, sweeter flavor.
✅ Use dill pickle relish instead of sweet pickle relish if desired.
✅ Swap the dark kidney beans for light kidney beans OR use a combination of the two for a variety in flavor and color.
✅ Make sure to rinse the kidney beans well before adding to the bowl.
What to enjoy with kidney bean salad (serving suggestions)
This salad is so easy to make and incredibly flavorful to eat! We love this one served with cowboy sloppy joes, buffalo chicken burgers, or french dip sliders.
More delicious potluck sides
- Deviled egg potato salad
- Fruit salad
- Cookie salad
- Caprese pasta salad
- 7 layer salad
- Amish macaroni salad
- Watergate salad
- Tortellini salad
- See all our easy side dish recipes!
Tools we love
- Wooden spatula – My wooden spatulas are my absolute favorite to stir with. I don’t know why, but I feel like a real cook when I use them.
- Stainless steel mixing bowls – Classic, basic, mixing bowls that everyone should have in your kitchen. You’ve seen me use them on the cooking show at least seventy bajillion times. Ish.
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How to Make Kidney Bean Salad
Kidney Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 30 ounces dark red kidney beans drained (2 cans)
- 4 boiled eggs chopped
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or miracle whip if you like it sweeter)
- ⅓ cup sweet pickle relish
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse kidney beans under cool water.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For sweeter: use Miracle Whip and sweet pickles
- For more savory: use mayonnaise and dill pickles
- Rinse kidney beans well and remove any smashed or mushy beans
- Light kidney beans or a mix of both can also be used
Nutrition
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Kidney Bean Salad
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Kidney bean salad is such a great dish. I love all the protein and flavor it has. I like to keep it healthier by using Greek yogurt in place of mayo.
Everyone at the table loved this dish and I will be sharing this recipe with everyone!
This recipe is so good. The combination of textures was delightful – the creamy beans contrasted nicely with the crunch of celery and the bite of red onion.
This was sooooo tasty! Thanks a bunch!
This was a quick and easy to make side dish! It was really good, perfect for barbecue we had over the weekend!
I’m not a big bean eater so I wasn’t sure how I would like this. It took me by surprise and I had 2 servings! Great side dish! Thanks so much for sharing