Colorful 3 Bean Salad Recipe: Refreshing & Zesty Delight

There’s something downright magical about a colorful 3 Bean Salad. Picture this: vibrant kidney beans, delicate green beans, and hearty chickpeas mingling together in a sun-kissed bowl, all tossed with a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. The crunch of fresh vegetables, the tang of vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of herbs create an explosion of flavor that will have you dreaming of summer picnics and backyard barbecues.

I remember the first time I made 3 Bean Salad for my family; they devoured it faster than I could say “healthy side dish.” It became an instant favorite at our gatherings—who knew beans could bring so much joy? Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a refreshing side to brighten up your weeknight dinner, this salad has earned its place in my kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

My friends can’t stop raving about this salad’s crispness and unique blend of flavors; it’s always the talk of our gatherings.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Kidney Beans: These provide a rich color and creamy texture; opt for canned ones for convenience.

• Chickpeas: Packed with protein, they add heartiness; use dried or canned depending on your preference.

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen works well; they add crunch and vibrant color to the salad.

• Red Onion: Finely chopped for a kick of flavor; look for firm onions without blemishes.

• Bell Pepper: Choose colorful varieties like red or yellow for sweetness and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; choose high-quality oil for the best taste.

• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if preferred.

• Dried Oregano: A sprinkle brings depth to the dressing; fresh oregano can be used for more intensity.

• Sugar: Just a pinch balances acidity; adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make 3 Bean Salad

Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse all canned beans under cold water until no foam remains. Trim the ends off fresh green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Blanch Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green, about 2-3 minutes. Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine kidney beans, chickpeas, blanched green beans, diced red onion, and bell pepper. Stir gently to keep beans intact.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

Add Dressing to Salad: Drizzle dressing over the bean mixture. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delicious 3 Bean Salad chilled or at room temperature! It’s perfect as a side dish or as part of a light lunch spread. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the beans to remove any canning liquid. Chop your veggies while the beans drain, then mix everything in a bowl with the dressing for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Try adding diced avocado or corn for extra creaminess and sweetness. Swap out the herbs based on your preference—cilantro, parsley, or even basil work wonders!

Storing & Reheating

Store your 3 Bean Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating needed—this dish is just as tasty cold!

It’s funny how I stumbled upon this recipe during a summer barbecue. My friend insisted on bringing a potato salad and I thought, “Why not spice things up?” The 3 Bean Salad became the surprise hit of the day!

FAQ

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply ensure that the dressing you use is free from animal products; most vinaigrettes are vegan-friendly.

What beans are best for this recipe?

Canned kidney, black, and garbanzo beans work wonderfully together; feel free to mix it up!

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after marinating in the fridge overnight, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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3 Bean Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Discover the vibrant flavors of this colorful 3 Bean Salad, a perfect blend of kidney beans, chickpeas, and green beans tossed in a zesty dressing. This refreshing dish is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. With its crisp vegetables and tangy notes, it promises to be a crowd favorite at potlucks, picnics, or as a simple weeknight side. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a burst of summertime joy in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the canned beans under cold water until no foam remains.
2. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
3. In a large bowl, combine kidney beans, chickpeas, blanched green beans, red onion, and bell pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg