Recipes Featuring Kidney Beans

Beans are a great source of protein, iron, and fiber all packed into a delicious packet. Here are 5 recipes that feature different kinds of kidney beans.

Want to receive more meal ideas like this in your email inbox? Sign up for the free Full Plate Living Membership now.

Bean Meatballs and Spaghetti

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Spaghetti might be a 25% ingredient, but if you choose whole wheat pasta, it tends to be more nutrient-dense. Stick to a small serving and use the sauce and meatballs liberally since that is where the fiber is in this meal. Steamed broccoli and carrots round out the meal perfectly.

75% water-fiber foods – beans, onions, garlic, oats, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, broccoli, carrots
25% foods – pasta, parmesan

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Pack your salad with the veggies and only use enough dressing to add just enough flavor to cut down on fat and ensure the 25% doesn't creep into the 75% portion of the plate. A fresh pear would taste just right after this meal.

75%water-fiber foods – cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppadew peppers, olives, bell peppers, artichokes, basil, garlic, pear
25% foods – dressing

Red Kidney Bean Curry

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve your curry on top of brown rice. The 25% part of the plate is open to anything else you might like to add. I'd probably have a small portion of ice cream after this meal.

75% water-fiber foods –  kidney beans, ginger, garlic, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, brown rice
25% foods – your choice

Crudités Platter

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Focus on filling your plate with veggies and bean dip since those are the foods that are full of fiber. For the 25% of the plate? Choose one of the other dips and a slice of whole wheat bread.

75% water-fiber foods –cucumbers, snap peas, carrots, tomatoes, cannellini beans, basil
25% foods – feta, oil, butter, dry cherries, honey, bread

Puerto Rican Canned Beans Recipe

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve your Puerto Rican beans on top of cooked quinoa. Chicken, fish, or tofu could go in the 25% part of the plate.

75% water-fiber foods – onions, potatoes, cilantro, kidney beans, cannellini beans, sofrito
25% foods – chicken/fish/tofu

👉 Water-fiber foods are 75% zone foods – whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, beans and cooked whole grains. 

If you're not convinced to add more beans to your plate yet, watch this workshop with Diana.