Pinto Bean, Tomato & Avocado Salad

More Praise for Pintos

Pintos deserve more attention and usually get overlooked for use in salads. 
But these humble little beans have so much going for them! They just need a better PR agent. 

Here’s why I like them:

1. They have a creamy texture. While black beans hold their shape nicely and chickpeas always stay firm, pintos get beautifully soft and creamy when cooked, making them a richer, somewhat buttery choice for salads, soups and spreads.
2. They’re nutritional knockouts: High in fiber, protein and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, pintos help keep you full, energized and feeling great.
3. They’re budget-friendly. Whether you buy them canned or dried, pintos are one of the most affordable plant-based protein sources out there. 
4. They’re not just for refried beans. Yes, they’re famous in Mexican cuisine, but pintos are also fantastic in salads, in veggie burgers, soups and even mashed into dips.
5. They soak up flavor like an edible sponge.  Not that you’d ever want to eat a sponge, but with their mild taste, pintos absorb whatever seasonings or dressings you throw at them—making them the perfect bean for flavor-filled salads like this one.

So, next time you pass by the pintos at the supermarket, grab a can and give ’em the chance they deserve.

These little beans are kind of a BIG deal!