A Year of Beans: Monthly Recipes to Keep Your Menu Fresh

The start of a new year brings the perfect opportunity to refresh your kitchen routine with a delicious challenge: eating more beans!

We’ve prepared a year’s worth of bean-spiration, with a different variety and recipe highlighted for each month. But the best part? This plan is completely customizable. From the bean you choose to the recipe you create, make it your own and discover how easy and delicious adding beans to your diet can be.

Let’s dive into January’s featured bean and get our Year of Beans started!

January: Cranberry Beans

Cranberry beans, with their creamy texture and subtle nuttiness, are perfect for the chilly depths of winter. We suggest trying Ribollita: Tuscan Bread and Bean Soup, a classic Italian dish that combines cranberry beans, hearty vegetables, and rustic bread for a warming and satisfying meal. Prefer another option? Use cranberry beans in another soup or stew that fits your taste or explore ways to incorporate them into your own favorite recipes. The choice is yours!

February: Black Beans

February calls for bold flavors, and black beans are up for the challenge. We recommend Spicy Black Bean and Chicken Tostadas with Avocado, Lettuce, and Sour Cream, a zesty and satisfying dish that’s easy to make. Prefer something else? Black beans are equally great in soups, salads or even brownies if you’re feeling adventurous.

March: Small Red Beans

As spring approaches, savor the rich and hearty flavors of small red beans in classic comfort dishes or try lighter spring-inspired recipes to suit the season. We recommend Chili con Carne, a hearty and flavorful dish that features small red beans as a key ingredient. Packed with spices, tomatoes and your choice of protein, it’s a satisfying option for chilly spring evenings. Prefer something lighter? Small red beans also work beautifully in salads or rice dishes, offering a mild flavor and vibrant color to any plate.

April: Navy Beans

Navy beans are a pantry staple that work beautifully in comforting dishes. For April, we recommend Red Quinoa and Navy Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds, Cilantro, and Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette. This vibrant and zesty dish highlights the versatility of navy beans in lighter, spring-inspired meals. Want something else? Navy beans are equally delicious in soups, creamy spreads or tossed with seasonal vegetables.

May: Pinto Beans

Kick off the warmer months with versatile pinto beans. We recommend Avocado Toast with Herby Bean Salad and Roasted Tomatoes, a vibrant dish that pairs creamy pinto beans with fresh, zesty flavors perfect for the season. Looking for something different? Pinto beans are also fantastic in burritos, dips or enchiladas, bringing a satisfying, earthy flavor to every meal.

June: Great Northern Beans

Great Northern beans shine in summer dishes. We recommend the Great Northern Berry Bean Smoothie, a refreshing and unique way to enjoy these beans during the warmer months. This smoothie pairs creamy Great Northern beans with berries and other bright flavors for a nutritious, cooling treat. If smoothies aren’t for you, Great Northern beans also work beautifully in grain bowls or cold salads for easy, warm-weather meals.

July: Dark Red Kidney Beans

Summer cookouts call for hearty and flavorful options, and dark red kidney beans are perfect for this. Our pick is the Blue Cheese Crispy Onion Rings BBQ Kidney Bean Blended Burger, a creative twist that pairs rich, smoky flavors with the creaminess of kidney beans. This blended burger is a surefire hit for outdoor gatherings. Prefer something else? Dark red kidney beans also work well in spicy curries or as a protein-packed addition to pasta salads.

August: Pink Beans

For peak summer produce, pink beans pair beautifully with fresh veggies. We recommend Lebanese Fattoush with Baharat-Spiced Beans, a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines crisp vegetables, toasted pita and spiced pink beans. This dish is perfect for warm summer days and highlights the versatility of pink beans. Not for you? Try tossing pink beans with your favorite vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish.

September: White Kidney Beans

Ease into fall with creamy white kidney beans, also known as cannellini beans. We recommend Creamy White Bean Alfredo Pasta, a rich and satisfying dish that brings a healthy twist to classic alfredo. White kidney beans are just as delightful in soups, salads or even as a base for savory spreads. Explore their versatility and make them a star in your kitchen this season.

October: Light Red Kidney Beans

As the leaves change, light red kidney beans bring warmth to your table. We recommend Cajun Red Beans and Rice, a flavorful and hearty dish that highlights the rich taste of light red kidney beans. This classic recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings. Wanting something different? Light red kidney beans are also delicious in casseroles or simmered with autumn spices for a comforting side dish.

November: Black Beans (Encore!)

Black beans return for a Thanksgiving twist. Try them in Stir-Fried Green Beans with Black Beans, a flavorful side dish that combines crisp green beans with savory black beans in a bold, umami-packed sauce. This unique recipe is perfect for adding a modern touch to your holiday table. Prefer a more traditional route? Black beans also can enhance classic dishes like stuffing or casseroles.

December: Navy Beans (Encore!)

End the year with navy beans in a festive Multigrain Bruschetta with White Bean Spread and Swiss Chard. This elegant and flavorful recipe pairs navy beans with hearty grains and fresh greens, making it a standout dish for holiday gatherings. It’s equally wonderful as a warm appetizer or a light main course to keep you cozy through the winter.

Your Personalized Bean Tracker

To help you stay engaged and organized throughout the year, we’ve created a downloadable tracker. This tool is designed to make your bean journey fun and straightforward.

It includes:
• Monthly Sections: Keep track of the featured bean, recipe, ingredients and preparation steps.
• Preparation Checklist: Step-by-step guidance for soaking, rinsing, cooking and combining beans with other ingredients.
• Dietary Notes: Spaces to indicate if the recipe aligns with dietary preferences like vegetarian, gluten-free or low-carb.
• Notes Section: Jot down cooking tips, flavor adjustments or time-saving ideas.

Download your tracker here.

Need more inspiration? Visit beaninstitute.com/recipes for additional ideas.

Join the Challenge!

Whether you’re trying these beans for the first time or rediscovering an old favorite, you’ll love the variety and creativity they bring to your table. Share your creations with us using #YearofBeans2025.

Complete the challenge and download your Certified Bean Enthusiast badge to show off your dedication.

Let’s make this year delicious, one bean at a time!