Sofrito Bean Salad, Perfect For Summer

Make this bold and refreshing Sofrito Bean Salad with Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil. A Latin-inspired summer recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes!

This salad takes the familiar comfort of beans and transforms them with the magic of authentic Puerto Rican sofrito — a savory, aromatic blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs sautéed lovingly in our signature Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote. Finished with a splash of sour orange juice, it’s a dish that’s bright, vibrant, and full of life — just like the kitchens and communities that inspired it.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

I wanted a recipe that would be easy enough for a weeknight, beautiful enough for a tasting table, and full of flavor without relying on heavy ingredients. I created the Sofrito Bean Salad to honor the Latin flavors I grew up loving while offering a clean, modern approach.

By combining two types of beans with fresh cherry tomatoes, bright herbs, and a warm sofrito vinaigrette, this dish is both nourishing and lively. Every bite balances earthiness, citrus, and the unmistakable warmth of annatto oil.

Try It!

The Sofrito Bean Salad is a simple, joyful way to bring vibrant, Latin flavors into your everyday meals. It proves you can turn traditional Puerto Rican recipes into something fresh and exciting with a few beautiful ingredients. Try tossing these Sofrito beans in a pasta dish, like the Caprese Pasta Salad with Sofrito Vinaigrette, for an additional protein source.

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Sofrito Bean Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Sofrito Bean Salad with Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil. A Latin-inspired summer recipe that's ready in 20 minutes!

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• Small Frying Pan
• Mixing spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 15 oz can small red beans, rinsed and drained can be substituted with red kidney beans
• 1 15 oz can small white beans, rinsed and drained can be substituted with cannellini beans
• ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Sofrito Dressing:

• 3 tbsp Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil
• 2 tbsp sofrito (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp sour orange juice can be substituted with lemon or lime juice
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a small frying pan over medium heat, warm Annatto Oil. Add sofrito, salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour orange juice.
• Taste the sofrito and add more citrus or salt to taste.

  Set aside.
• Combine the red beans, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.
• Pour the sofrito dressing over the salad and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip:

• This dish is better when it's made a day ahead. It gives it time to marinate and for the flavors to marry.
• The choice of beans is up to you. You can choose whichever beans you prefer.
• For an additional protein source, try tossing these Sofrito beans in a pasta dish, like the Caprese Pasta Salad with Sofrito Vinaigrette.

Notes

Notes on how to include your child(ren): Strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory awareness by having your little chef(s) rinse the beans and cherry tomatoes under cool water and tear the herbs into tiny pieces with their hands. 

Have your little chef(s) measure and pour the ingredients into the mixing bowl. Measuring and sequencing steps in the recipe introduces early math and organizational skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Your older chef(s) can do more independent tasks, like sautéing the sofrito and preparing the vinaigrette. They’ll practice timing and flavor-building techniques—laying a strong foundation for confident, creative cooking.

Calories: 194kcal

Course: Appetizer, brunch, Condiment, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Cuban, Fusion, Latin, Latin American, Puerto Rican

Keyword: bean salad, Pasta Salad, side dish, Sofrito

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below, tag @domesticgourmetfoods on Instagram, and hashtag #cookwithdomesticgourmet.

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