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I’ve always appreciated beans for being inexpensive, nutritious and incredibly versatile. They’re one of those humble foods that can turn a few simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Whether I’m making a pot of black bean soup, tossing chickpeas into a salad or adding white beans to a skillet dinner, beans are something I rely on again and again.
They’re also an important part of traditional diets around the world. One of the things that caught my attention while reading about the Blue Zones—places where people have historically enjoyed unusually long lives—was how regularly beans and other legumes appear on the menu.
I love that something so simple and affordable can also be so good for us.
Beans provide fiber, plant-based protein and important nutrients. And because they’re filling, they can be especially helpful when you’re trying to eat well without feeling deprived.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite easy, WW-friendly bean recipes, including soups, salads, dips, casseroles, skillet dinners and even a few sweet treats.
There are so many reasons to keep a few cans of beans in the pantry:
They’re economical. Dried beans are especially budget-friendly, and canned beans are a convenient shortcut.
They’re satisfying. The combination of fiber and protein helps make meals filling.
They’re versatile. Beans work in everything from soups and salads to tacos, casseroles and dips.
They’re convenient. Canned beans make it easy to put together a quick meal without much planning.
They’re part of traditional healthy diets. Beans and lentils are staples in many Mediterranean, Latin American and other plant-centered cuisines.
You don’t need to become a vegetarian to enjoy more beans. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a handful to your favorite soup or salad.
Are Beans Zero Points on Weight Watchers?
Yes! Most plain beans, chickpeas and lentils are ZeroPoint foods on the current WeightWatchers program.
That includes common varieties such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans and garbanzo beans.
Keep in mind that added ingredients such as oil, sugar, cheese or meat may contribute Points. For packaged bean dishes, check the WW app for the specific product.
Favorite Easy Black Bean Recipes
Black beans are one of my favorite pantry staples. They’re delicious in soups, salads, tacos, dips and all kinds of easy dinners.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them.
5 from 2 votes
Cheese and Black Bean Nachos Recipe
A lighter, healthier version of a classic, these cheesy black bean nachos made lighter are hard to beat.
A lighter, healthier alternative to traditional rice and beans, this cauliflower rice and beans recipe makes 2 generous servings and will work with WW Simply Filling.
Creamy Chili-Corn Soup with Chicken and Black Beans
A hearty easy healthy and delicious soup that comes together in minutes while tasting like it simmered much longer. The secret? Canned creamed corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
A quick and easy vegetarian black bean and corn soup made with just four pantry ingredients: black beans, salsa, cumin and corn. Thick, hearty and flavorful, with stovetop and slow cooker instructions.
This Southwest Shrimp and Black Bean Salad combines shrimp, black beans, brown rice, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty chili-lime dressing for an easy, protein-packed meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Pinto Bean Tostadas Recipe
Simple, healthy and delicious, this slow cooker chicken and pinto bean tostada is one of those easy dump and go crock pot recipes perfect for busy days.
This simple and delicious Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Burritos Recipe is a fresh and healthy way to satisfy a Mexican craving for a lot less calories and points than your favorite Mexican restaurant meal.
White beans have a mild flavor and creamy texture that make them especially good in soups, salads and comforting one-pot meals.
Cannellini, Great Northern and navy beans are all wonderful choices, although their sizes and textures vary slightly.
5 from 3 votes
Summer Tuna and White Bean Salad
Almost any bean will work in this salad and canned are fine. My favorites are our classic white "coco" provencal beans, however cannellini, garbanzos and black beans work very well too.
My new favorite way to cook dried beans is in the slow cooker. Make a big batch and then store them in small containers in the freezer to use in salads, soups, stews, pastas and dips.
Three highly nutritious foods come together in this tasty one pot vegetarian meal in a bowl, lending it vibrant color and flavor. For a fitting accompaniment, try toasted baguette or crostini spread with goat cheese.
With Italian-style chicken sausage, tons of veggies, beans, and escarole, this low calorie soup is sure to make your belly warm, full, and happy. Substitute escarole with any leafy green of your choice if you prefer.
Slow Cooker Creole White Beans with Chicken Recipe
Easy, healthy, satisfying and flavorful, we really enjoyed these slow cooker Creole White Beans with Chicken recipe. It’s one we were happy to eat several times during the week. Serve in a bowl like chile or over rice.
This Salsa Verde Chicken Flatbread is topped with creamy white beans, shredded chicken, corn, salsa verde, and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy Tex-Mex inspired dinner that's ready in minutes.
Tuna and white beans make a great summer lunch or light dinner. Serve it on a bed of greens or with thinly sliced garden fresh tomatoes and crusty bread.
This slow cooker bean and cabbage soup is easy, healthy and satisfying with just 198 calories, 0 WW Points and works with the old Simply Filling technique.
Chickpeas are another favorite, especially when I want something quick.
They’re wonderful in salads, soups, hummus and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Their firm texture also makes them a satisfying addition to meatless meals.
5 from 1 vote
Smoked Paprika Chickpeas with Fennel and Mint
Try this colorful medley as a main course or serve alongside grilled fish for a meal that is high in protein and bursting with flavor.
A quick and easy Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, and a simple lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or as a healthy side dish.
This quick and easy one-pot vegetable curry is an easy, healthy 0 Points dinner perfect for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone looking for a low calorie meal idea!
Lentils deserve a place in any collection of easy bean and legume recipes.
One of the things I love about lentils is that most varieties cook relatively quickly without soaking. They’re perfect for soups, stews, chili and simple vegetarian dinners.
4.14 from 45 votes
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
Simple and delicious Vegetarian Lentil Chili you make in the crock pot. With just 101 calories and Zero WW Points per serving, it's the ideal guilt-free meal.
Tender slow cooker BBQ lentils made with just three simple ingredients. A hearty vegetarian recipe that's perfect for sandwiches, bowls, baked potatoes, or meal prep.
You don’t always need a recipe to enjoy beans. Here are a few of my favorite easy ideas:
Add white beans or chickpeas to a green salad.
Stir a can of rinsed beans into your favorite vegetable soup.
Mash pinto or black beans with seasonings for a quick taco filling.
Toss chickpeas with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil and lemon juice.
Add lentils to a pot of vegetable soup or chili.
Blend white beans with garlic, lemon juice and seasonings for a simple dip.
I like keeping a few varieties of canned beans in the pantry so there’s always an easy meal within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are canned beans as healthy as dried beans?
Both are nutritious choices. Dried beans are usually less expensive per serving, while canned beans save time. Look for no-salt-added varieties when convenient, or drain and rinse regular canned beans to reduce some of the sodium.
Do beans help with weight management?
Beans can be a helpful part of a balanced eating pattern because they provide fiber and protein, which contribute to fullness.
Of course, no single food guarantees weight loss. But including more beans in your meals can be a simple, satisfying way to eat well.
Do I need to soak dried beans?
It depends on the variety. Soaking can shorten cooking time for many dried beans, while lentils and split peas generally don’t require soaking. Dried kidney beans need proper boiling to make them safe to eat; a slow cooker alone may not reach the temperature needed.
Can I freeze cooked beans?
Yes. Cooked beans freeze well in meal-sized portions, especially when stored with a little of their cooking liquid.
A Simple Food Worth Rediscovering
The more I learn about traditional ways of eating, the more I appreciate simple foods like beans.
They don’t require fancy ingredients, complicated recipes or a lot of money. Just a little seasoning and a few everyday ingredients can turn them into something delicious.
I hope this collection gives you a few new ideas for enjoying them.
What’s your favorite way to prepare beans? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Weight Watchers Lifetime Member, Yoga Practitioner and Blogger who loves to share her passion for trying to create a happy, healthy, balanced life in what often feels like an overwhelming out of control world.
