Easy Bean Recipes - Sunset.com

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

We like the robust flavor of red Swiss chard when paired with creamy, slightly sweet white beans. You could also make it with green Swiss chard, which is milder, or spinach.

Recipe: Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencert

Squash and Chickpea Fritters with Winter Greens and Hazelnut Salad

These little cakes are a snap to make and, with the salad, create a great vegetarian entrée for fall.

Recipe: Squash and Chickpea Fritters with Winter Greens and Hazelnut Salad

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Chorizo Refried Beans

Chorizo makes these velvety beans extra-rich and savory. If you're in a real rush (or don't want chorizo), just microwave the beans, thinned with a bit of water, while you're making the huevos rancheros.

Recipe: Chorizo Refried Beans

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

We left the soup chunky with a clear broth, but you could easily purée it to create a smooth soup. Just don't skip the avocado mixture, as it makes a refreshing contrast to the beans and spice.

Recipe: Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Chickpea Panzanella with Capers

Whole-grain bread and chickpeas add heft to the classic Italian bread salad.

Recipe: Chickpea Panzanella with Capers

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Stephanie Spencer

Garlicky White Bean Dip

This Mediterranean-inspired dip is the perfect appetizer for last-minute entertaining and a nice break from one of our other favorite bean dips, hummus.

Recipe: Garlicky White Bean Dip

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Spencer

Tilapia with Quinoa and Black Beans

Good-for-you fish topped with an easy salad of nutty quinoa, earthy black beans, and fruity tomatoes makes for a super-simple, healthy dinner.

Recipe: Tilapia with Quinoa and Black Beans

Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Stephanie Spencer

Romanesco Broccoli and Cannellini Bean Salad

The orange vinaigrette brings out the delicate sweetness of Romanesco and cannellini beans.

Recipe: Romanesco Broccoli and Cannellini Bean Salad

Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Stephanie Spencer

Chicken Escabeche with Cilantro Black Beans

We love black beans here in the West and this low-cal, tangy dish, based on a recipe in Mexican Everyday by Rick Bayless, really makes them shine.

Recipe: Chicken Escabeche with Cilantro Black Beans

Photo by Jeffery Cross; written by Stephanie Spencer

Black Bean Tomatillo Dip

What's good about it: Puréed beans are, of course, low in fat. Tomatillos add vitamin C and so much flavor, you won't even miss the usual cheese. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

Recipe: Black Bean Tomatillo Dip

Photo by Iain Bagwell; written by Stephanie Spencer

Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

This hearty, classic combo of greens and beans is especially satisfying on a cold winter night. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.

Recipe: Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Shrimp and White Bean Salad with Harissa Dressing

You'll find yourself turning to this simple salad of tender white beans and sweet shrimp often. You might want to taste the dressing as you make it and adjust the quantity of harissa accordingly, though, since the heat varies by brand.

Recipe: Shrimp and White Bean Salad with Harissa Dressing

Fast & Fresh bean recipes

Ruby Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

Squash and Chickpea Fritters with Winter Greens and Hazelnut Salad

Chorizo Refried Beans

Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

Chickpea Panzanella with Capers

Garlicky White Bean Dip

Tilapia with Quinoa and Black Beans

Romanesco Broccoli and Cannellini Bean Salad

Chicken Escabeche with Cilantro Black Beans

Black Bean Tomatillo Dip

Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

Shrimp and White Bean Salad with Harissa Dressing