Author: Problem:
You're headed to a potluck, you're super lazy (no judgement), not a skilled chef, or you just don't really wanna put a huge amount of time into cooking. BUT you MUST wow the crowd with amazing, delicious, awesome, veganess (because one must always woo with delicious, awesome, veganess).
Solution:
Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad. 15 minutes to make, just add beans, some chopped veg, and whip up a super easy mind-blowingly scrumptious dressing. Toss well. Serve. Prepare to get asked for the recipe at least 19 times. Proudly declare the recipe can be found on It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken, the fuss-free vegan blog. BOOM! Mic drop. Party complete. Success. Celebrate. Dance. Devour.
True story. Probably. I mean, I can see it happening because this Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad is the perfect potluck party pleaser recipe. Gorgeously creamy, warm smoky chipotle spice, fresh zesty lime, hearty beans, pops of sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, it's just a fiesta in your mouth.
Gorgeously creamy, warm smoky chipotle spice, fresh zesty lime, hearty beans, pops of sweet corn and cherry tomatoes, it's just a fiesta in your mouth.
Super easy to whip up in a rush, but this can also be made ahead of time and gets even more flavourful as it sits. Just give it a toss again before serving, and you're good to go.
To make Creamy Chipotle Lime Bean Salad: Drain and rinse your cans of beans. I toss them all together in a strainer along with the frozen corn which will muti-task the rinsing and thawing.
Add the beans and corn to a very large bowl along with all of the remaining veg.
Whip up a batch of Chipotle Lime Dressing. I made a double batch and found 1 batch of dressing will lightly dress the salad, where as 1 ½ will have more punch. (I preferred the more punch version).
If not serving right away, cover the bean salad and pop it in the fridge for 1 - 2 days. Then just toss well before serving.
(click stars to vote)
Creamy Chipotle Bean Salad
Servings: (6–8 as a main or 10 as a side)
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Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 can (15.5 oz / 439 g) black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
- 1 can (15.5 oz / 439 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
- 1 can (15.5 oz / 439 g) white kidney beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
- 1 can (11 oz / 312 g) corn kernels, drained (or 1¾ cups frozen and thawed)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped (red, orange, or yellow)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the creamy chipotle dressing:
- ⅓ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle pepper, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the black beans, kidney beans, white beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve or chill: Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving: Give the salad a good stir and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Adjust spice level: Use half a chipotle pepper for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat.
- For best flavor: Let the salad sit for 30–60 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully develop.
- Add creaminess: Dice in avocado just before serving for extra richness.
- Oil-free option: Use a thick unsweetened vegan yogurt or blended silken tofu instead of mayo (flavor will be lighter).
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a main dish salad
- Serve with tortilla chips as a scoopable dip
- Stuff into wraps or tacos
- Add to bowls with rice or greens
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕Bon appetegan!
Sam.
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Natalie says
This is my go-to recipe for picnics and barbecues and my whole family loves it!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I am so happy to hear that Natalie!!
Tricia says
This sounds delicious except the cilantro, I'm one of those people who get that awful soap taste from cilantro. What are some other green, leafy options? Parsley is what I'm thinking.
Thanks
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yes, parsley would be great!
Stephanie Frank says
I used basil, because I have lots in my garden. Delicious.
Cyndy Turner says
This recipe sounds delish! Will be making it for a picnic on Sunday.
We only have 15oz cans of beans in our area. If I use those smaller cans, would the regular size dressing recipe be enough?
Thank you, Cyndy
Joanne says
Love this salad! It feels like I am cheating because it’s so easy to make. I must admit, I think I could throw together any combination and use the Lime dressing and I would like it. If I want to make it a meal in itself, I cook a 1/2 cup to a full cup of quinoa and toss it in. And if I am really ambitious, I cut super firm tofu, marinade, and pan fry and toss that in as well. Hmmmm….I just can’t help myself. I have to make it more work.
Kassaundra Wlazlinski says
This is absolutely delicious. It tastes so fresh and the dressing is incredible. Definitely going in the weekly rotation!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! SO happy you love it 🙂
Ty says
Can I give this 10 stars? 20?? Holy cow!!! By far, the best recipe on the internet. We make this about once a week because we're so in love with it. Easily adaptable if you don't like something and quick to make! Better than mac n cheese, mom's cooking and any comfort food out there! LOL Seriously amazing. Thank you!!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha!! That's awesome, Ty!!! So very thrilled you love it so much 🙂
Kathy says
So good!!! I doubled the sauce, I'm in love !!! I also added avocado ♡
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! Thrilled you loved it, Kathy 🙂
Natali says
1 19 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed.
I'm confused. Its 1 oz or 19? Maybe 1.19 oz? Tell me please the correct variant 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
It's one can of black beans that is 19oz in size. Hope that helps.
Karen says
Can't wait to try this and bring it to our company cookout next week! Avocado sounds like a great addition (to anything!) 😉
Sam Turnbull says
Enjoy!
Jenn says
Thank goodness I thought ahead and doubled the recipe, herbivores and carnivores devoured this over the Labor Day weekend. People were eating it by the bowlful. This is such a great recipe; it's fresh, protein packed, flavorful, and easy to make and eat. Thanks Sam for making everyone come back for seconds and thirds!
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! So happy it was a hit. You're most welcome, Jenn, so happy it was enjoyed 😀
Kim says
Sorry forgot to rate it!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! So happy you love it so much, Kim! Thanks for the 5 stars 🙂
Kim says
Have made it twice so far and have doubled the recipe every time! We can't get enough of this. Love it.
Iris says
Best. Bean. Salad. Ever. Me and my daughter (who isn't - wasn't, that is - a fan of beans) just couldn't stop eating, and we couldn't stop moaning while eating. It's the dressing that lifts this salad above all other bean salads, it is sooooooo good. A truly great concoction. Thank you so much for sharing!
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo!! So thrilled you love it so much, Iris! 😀
J L Gulliver says
This salad has everything -- color, taste, good-for-you ingredients. Love it, and can't wait until our Ladies Group starts their monthly potlucks again in October. It'll be a real hit. Thanks, Sam, for a great creation.
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo! So happy you enjoyed it, and I hope your ladies group does as well! 🙂
Joanne Freund says
The scenario you described HAS happened!! I have used your dressing for a very similar salad to rave reviews. So easy! If I happen to have a ripe avocado - I throw that in. LOVE the dressing. And I never use store-bought. Once you start to make your own, you never go back. When I didn't happen to have the chipotle in adobe sauce, I just put in a dash or two of Siracha and a little smoked paprika.
Sam Turnbull says
Avocado would be a super yum addition! So happy you love the dressing so much, and I agree, once you start making your own dressings you can never go back!