How to Make the Perfect Three Bean Salad
American · Easy · 15 min · 6 servings
This classic three bean salad is a no-cook 15 minute recipe that gets better the longer the beans sit in the tangy herb vinaigrette. Made with pantry staple canned beans, it is the ultimate quick and budget-friendly side dish or light meal.
Why this recipe works
This Three Bean Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 can green beans drained
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 medium red onion finely diced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Drain and Rinse Beans
Open all three cans and drain them thoroughly in a colander. Rinse kidney beans and chickpeas under cold water until water runs clear, then pat gently dry.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, a teaspoon of sugar or honey, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Dice the Onion
Finely dice the red onion into small pieces. For a milder flavor soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes then drain before adding.
Step 4: Toss and Taste
Combine all three beans and red onion in a large bowl, pour vinaigrette over everything, and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning then serve immediately or refrigerate.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- apple cider vinegar → red wine vinegar for a more traditional flavor profile
- green beans → cannellini beans or black beans for a heartier version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing canned beans which leaves a starchy liquid that dulls the dressing flavor
- Skipping the resting time which means the beans have not absorbed enough of the vinaigrette flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 12g protein, 36g carbs, 6g fat, 10g fiber.
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