This classic American three bean salad is a perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. It is made with a combination of kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans mixed with a tangy dressing. The salad is refreshing and bursting with flavors. It can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after a few hours of marinating. This recipe serves as a great vegetarian and gluten-free option, and it is easy to customize with additional vegetables or herbs. Enjoy this simple and crowd-pleasing salad that will surely become a staple at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, green beans, garbanzo beans, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Three bean salad is a popular dish in American cuisine and is often served as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
The combination of kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various nutrients.
Adding red onion and fresh parsley adds a refreshing crunch and flavor to the salad.
You can customize this salad by adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even some chopped jalapenos for an extra kick.