3 Bean Salad (Bright, Tangy & Perfect for Any Occasion)

There’s something irresistibly inviting about a colorful bowl of 3 Bean Salad. Perfectly balanced with a medley of flavors and textures, this dish brings a refreshing burst of nutrition to your table. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for your summer barbecue or a vibrant addition to your weekday meals, 3 Bean Salad shines with its simplicity and charm. Let’s dive into why this classic dish deserves a spot in your kitchen!

What is 3 Bean Salad?

3 Bean Salad is a delightful dish made primarily with three types of beans, providing a mix that is both hearty and refreshing. Its roots trace back to the mid-20th century when it became popular in American potluck gatherings and picnics. The beauty of 3 Bean Salad lies not only in its vibrant colors but also in its versatility. Stuffed with fiber-rich beans, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad surprises with its depth of flavor while staying light and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll absolutely adore how easy and quick this 3 Bean Salad comes together! With minimal prep time and a sizzling mix of canned beans, you can whip up this salad in no time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Not to mention, this salad is incredibly budget-friendly! Canned beans are affordable, and the fresh veggies add a pop of color without breaking the bank. This dish doesn’t just taste good; it also does good for your wallet and your waistline!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making 3 Bean Salad is a breeze! All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a few fresh ingredients. The total time for preparation is around 15–20 minutes, plus some waiting time for the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Ingredients

. 1 can 15.5 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
. 1 can 15.5 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
. 1 can 15.5 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
. ½ cup chopped red onion
. ½ cup chopped fresh celery
. 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
. 2 garlic cloves, chopped
. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
. 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
. ⅓ cup olive oil
. ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
. 1 tablespoon honey
. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
. ½ teaspoon salt
. ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until the dressing is well combined.
2. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, black beans, chopped red onion, celery, yellow bell pepper, garlic, parsley, and oregano to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving, or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion.

What to Serve with 3 Bean Salad

This 3 Bean Salad pairs wonderfully with a myriad of dishes! Think grilled chicken or shrimp skewers for a tasty protein boost. If you’re feeling veggie-centric, serve it alongside a light quinoa salad or even a classic coleslaw for a colorful spread. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the zesty flavors beautifully. This vibrant bean medley can easily become a staple at your summer gatherings!

Top Tips for Perfecting 3 Bean Salad

1. Mix Up the Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans like kidney or pinto beans to switch up the flavors.
2. Chill for Best Flavor: The longer this salad sits, the better the flavors meld, so don’t hesitate to make it a day in advance.
3. Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley and oregano bring a burst of freshness; dry herbs can’t quite replicate that vibrancy.
4. Spice it Up: Want a kick? Throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce!
5. Balance the Dressing: Adjust the lemon juice and vinegar levels to suit your taste; it’s all about what feels right for you.
6. Add Crunch: Consider tossing in ingredients like diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra texture.
7. Dress Lightly: If you plan to keep leftovers, consider keeping some of the dressing aside to add before serving to prevent sogginess.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of your 3 Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It might lose a bit of its crunchy texture, but the flavors will still be delish! If you prefer it warm, skip the reheating, as this dish is best enjoyed cold. If you make a larger batch with intentions to freeze, do so immediately after preparation—just be mindful that the texture of the beans might change slightly once thawed.

3 Bean Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad made with a colorful blend of three beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Beans

• 1 can 15.5 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15.5 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15.5 oz black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh celery
• 1 piece yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until the dressing is well combined.
2. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, black beans, chopped red onion, celery, yellow bell pepper, garlic, parsley, and oregano to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving, or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion.

Notes

For a kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust lemon juice and vinegar to taste. Consider adding diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.

FAQs

Conclusion

3 Bean Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, hearty, and nutritious meals. With its colorful ingredients and quick preparation, you can easily add this dish to your weekly rotation. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful bowl of goodness, and indulge in the refreshing taste of 3 Bean Salad. Your taste buds will thank you!

More Resources

• Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad
• Cowboy Caviar
• La Scala Bean Salad
• Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
• The Ultimate Guide to Bean Salad: 15 + Healthy, Flavorful Recipes
• Italian Dense Bean Salad
• Bean Salad – Wikipedia
• Health Benefits of Beans – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Beans and Legumes – MedlinePlus
• Green Beans Nutrition Facts – USDA FoodData Central