If you’ve spent even five minutes on FoodTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the bean salad. Originally shared by Violet Witchel and dubbed the “dense bean salad,” this colorful, fiber-packed concoction has taken TikTok by storm. Why? It’s endlessly customizable, wildly satisfying, and honestly—kind of genius. Cans of beans, crunchy veggies, bold dressings, and fridge-friendly longevity? Yes, please.
👉 Get Violet’s Original Recipe Here
Now let’s remix it. Here are 10 crowd-favorite variations inspired by creators and food lovers everywhere.
1. Southwest Bean Salad with Corn and Lime
What You Need:
- Black beans, kidney beans
- Fire-roasted corn
- Chopped bell pepper, red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice, olive oil, chili powder
Flavor Profile: Bright, smoky, zesty. It’s taco Tuesday in salad form.
Check out The Full Recipe Here Southwest Bean Salad
2. Mediterranean Bean Salad with Olives and Feta
What You Need:
- Cannellini or chickpeas
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumber
- Kalamata olives, red onion
- Crumbled feta
- Olive oil, lemon, oregano
Flavor Profile: Briny, herbaceous, and ultra-refreshing. Think summer picnics in Santorini.
Here Is The Full Guide : Mediterranean Bean Salad
3. Spicy Black Bean Salad with Jalapeño and Cilantro
What You Need:
- Black beans
- Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Red onion, corn, avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime vinaigrette with cumin
Flavor Profile: Tangy and heat-forward. Great as a dip or taco filler.
4. Fall Harvest Bean Salad with Roasted Squash
What You Need:
- Mixed beans (kidney, chickpea, white)
- Roasted butternut squash or sweet potato
- Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- Kale ribbons
- Maple-mustard vinaigrette
Flavor Profile: Sweet, earthy, cozy. Perfect for autumn batch-cooking.
5. Protein-Packed Bean Salad with Quinoa
What You Need:
- Red beans, chickpeas
- Cooked quinoa
- Shredded carrots, chopped spinach
- Toasted sunflower seeds
- Apple cider vinaigrette
Flavor Profile: Clean, nutty, energizing. A post-workout meal prep dream.
Don’t miss our Vegan Protein Dense Bean Salad with High-Protein Add-Ins for another creative way to boost your plant-based meals.
6. Raw Veggie Bean Salad with Shaved Carrots and Beets
What You Need:
- Navy beans, black-eyed peas
- Shaved raw carrots and beets
- Green onion, parsley
- Lemon-tahini dressing
Flavor Profile: Crisp, crunchy, and bright. Like a detox in a bowl.
7. Creamy Tahini Bean Salad with Lemon Dressing
What You Need:
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Cucumber, red onion, parsley
- Creamy tahini, lemon juice, garlic
Flavor Profile: Savory, smooth, and Mediterranean-inspired.
8. Tropical Bean Salad with Mango and Chili
What You Need:
- Black beans, pinto beans
- Fresh mango chunks
- Red bell pepper, green onion
- Lime, chili flakes, honey
Flavor Profile: Sweet heat with beachy vibes.
9. Middle Eastern Bean Salad with Za’atar and Mint
What You Need:
- Chickpeas, lentils
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumber
- Za’atar, fresh mint
- Olive oil, lemon juice
Flavor Profile: Aromatic, herby, and super refreshing.
10. Cold Bean Salad Meal Prep Bowls
What You Need:
- Base: mixed beans + grain (farro, rice, couscous)
- Toppings: veggies, herbs, pickles
- Dressing: vinaigrette or creamy herb sauce
- Storage: Layer in jars or containers
Flavor Profile: Versatile. Make a week’s worth and switch up the dressings.
Tips for Building Your Own Version
- Use at least 2 types of beans: It adds texture and variety.
- Balance soft and crunch: Pair beans with something snappy like radish or nuts.
- Dress it bold: Acidic, tangy dressings deepen flavor over time.
- Layer for storage: Wet ingredients on the bottom, herbs last.
- Marinate overnight: Dense bean salad actually tastes better the next day.
👉 Don’t forget to check out Violet’s original viral version for the blueprint.