Classic Three Bean Salad with Green Beans: A Healthy and Simple Side Dish
This 3 bean salad recipe is very simple to make and packs in a medley of flavors and textures with its combination of tender beans and zesty dressing. Whether you’re making it for a potluck or just need a light, nutritious side dish for the week, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It’s super easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the moment.
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I remember the first time I made this classic three bean salad. I was tasked with bringing a side dish for a potluck softball team lunch between games on a tournament weekend. I needed a side dish that was tasty, vegan, could be made ahead, and would keep well in a cooler until lunch time. I googled “three bean salad recipe easy” and found one that I have been modifying over the years, and I finally have the perfect one to share with you.
The best part of this 3 bean salad recipe is that it’s almost impossible to mess up—just toss the beans together, whip up the easy 3 bean salad vinaigrette, and chill it. The fresh crunch of the green beans combined with the sweet and tangy dressing is always a hit, and the salad will disappear within minutes. Since that first team potluck, this salad has been my go-to side dish for any gathering. It’s healthy, tasty, and a breeze to put together.
What makes this 3 Bean salad healthy?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Beans are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re packed with fiber, which is great for digestion and helps you feel full longer. The combination of beans in this salad provides a range of nutrients, including protein, iron, and vitamins. The vinaigrette is light but flavorful, and you can adjust the amount of sugar to make it even healthier. Plus, this three bean salad is low in calories but high in satisfaction, making it the perfect balance of tasty and nutritious.
RELATED: Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant colors, this Mexican Bean Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of leafy greens, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Classic Three Bean Salad Ingredients
Here’s what to put in 3 bean salad to get that perfect balance of texture and flavor:
For the Bean salad
- Can green beans
- Can cannellini beans
- Can kidney beans
- Small red onion
For the dressing
- White vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and Pepper
Why you’ll love this salad
This classic three bean salad recipe with green beans is everything you could want in a side dish. It’s versatile, making it an ideal option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just want a make-ahead dish for the week, this salad delivers. The beans give it substance, while the dressing adds that tangy, sweet flavor that’s irresistible. It’s easy to put together, and you can even make it the night before, which means less work and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, it’s customizable! Want to add a bit of extra crunch? Toss in some diced bell pepper or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a fresh twist.
Step-by-step instructions for making Bean Salad
- In a large bowl, add the green beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and red onion.
- In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the beans and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) to let the flavors meld.
- Give it a quick stir before serving. Done!
Make this Classic Bean Salad recipe, then check out my Summer Butterbean salad, my Heart Healthy Bean Salad recipe and more of my bean salad recipe ideas.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
What are the 3 beans in 3 bean salad?
Classic versions use green beans, cannellini beans (or wax beans), and kidney beans.
What other kinds of beans are in 3 bean salad if I want to switch it up?
Try chickpeas, black beans, or garbanzo beans. The base is flexible!
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Just blanch them first for a few minutes in boiling water, then cool them down in ice water before adding to the salad.
How long does three bean salad last in the fridge?
It’ll keep for about 3 days, though it’s best within the first 2.
How to store leftovers of this Classic Three Bean Salad
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavor gets even better with time. Give it a stir before serving and you’re good to go.
Whether you’re making this three bean salad recipe easy for your weekly meal prep or serving it at your next cookout, it’s one of those feel-good dishes that’s always a hit. This classic three bean salad is sweet, tangy, and totally satisfying. Serve it solo, spoon it over fresh spinach, or plate it up as a healthy BBQ side dish. However you enjoy it, this one’s a keeper!
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Classic 3 Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Three Bean Salad Ingredients:
- 1 15 oz can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
Easy Three Bean Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and sliced red onion.1 15 oz can green beans, drained and rinsed, 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, ½ small red onion
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.⅓ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the beans and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally to help the flavors develop.
- Stir before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other Bean Salad recipes to try
- This colorful Vegan Avocado Black Bean Salad features a creamy avocado dressing, blending ripe avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and garlic for a smooth, zesty kick. Nestled among a mix of salad greens, sweet corn, grape tomatoes, black beans, and thinly sliced red onions, this salad is a celebration of flavors and textures.
- Whether you’re enjoying this Summer Butterbean Salad at a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner at home, this salad is guaranteed to impress!
- Perfect year round, this fibre-rich Heart Healthy Bean Salad is a great way of incorporating legumes into your diet. This can be served as a side dish, perfect for potlucks or to make it a main for lunch serve it over spiralized cucumbers.
- Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant colors, this Mexican Bean salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of leafy greens, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
