Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by PorchLightReading
The best three bean salad recipe made with simple ingredients. The perfect summer side dish for any backyard BBQ.
We are always on the lookout for simple and healthy meal ideas and this colorful three bean salad is the perfect summer side dish for any occasion.
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Whether you’re looking for something easy for the weekday or a side for the weekend BBQ, this light and refreshing three bean salad is so simple to make and just as delicious.
Table to Contents: Three Bean Salad Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to make
- What beans are best
- Recipe variations
- How to store leftovers
- Tips for the best three bean salad
- Jump to recipe card
THREE BEAN SALAD RECIPE
Three bean salad is a great way to get added fiber and other nutritions into your diet. With several different kinds of beans, along with a simple and zesty dressing, you’ll love this guilt free side idea.
We’re keeping this recipe simple by using canned beans. It’ll save us time and energy and since this is a summer recipe, the last thing I went to do is turn on the stove or oven.
INGREDIENTS
- 1- 15 oz can Kidney beans
- 1- 15 oz can Black beans
- 1- 15 oz can Garbanzo beans
- 1- 10 oz container grape tomatoes
- 1 Orange pepper
- 1/2 Red onion
- 1/2 Bunch fresh parsley
DRESSING
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Start by draining and rinsing the beans.
In a large mixing bowl add beans, 1 diced orange pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/2 bunch of parsley, and entire 10 oz container of grape tomatoes, sliced. Combine.
Dressing- In a bowl add 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 TBS olive oil, 2 TBS sugar, 1 tsp. dry mustard, 1 tsp. garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle on top of bean salad and toss until well coated.
Allow to chill in refrigerator at least one hour.
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WHAT BEANS ARE BEST
Three bean salad is traditionally made with green beans but for this recipe we’re skipping the green beans and adding some color and crunch with the vegetables.
Other beans that work well in three bean salad are:
- Kidney beans
- Black beans
- Garbanzo beans/ chickpeas
- Green beans
- Wax beans
- Pinto beans
- Cannellini beans
RECIPE VARIATIONS
I am a big fan of red onions, the rest of the family however, is not. It’s sad for us both. Whether I leave them out or put them in, one is wishing the opposite. This recipe is incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Although the red onions in this recipe are so very delicious! (in my opinion)
- onions vs no onions
- yellow or red bell peppers
- celery
- cucumbers
- complimentary herbs
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
You can store leftover three bean salad in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up for 4 days.
TIPS FOR THE BEST THREE BEAN SALAD
- Use fresh and quality ingredients.
- Allow to marinate for the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley brings a refreshing and bright color to the salad but in a pinch you can use dried parsley instead.
RECIPE CARD
The Best Three Bean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 oz kidney beans
- 15 oz black beans
- 15 oz garbanzo beans
- 10 oz grape tomatoes
- 1 orange pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/2 bunch parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 2 TBS sugar
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by draining and rinsing the beans.
- In a large mixing bowl add beans, 1 diced orange pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/2 bunch of parsley, and entire 10 oz container of grape tomatoes, sliced. Combine.
- Dressing- In a bowl add 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 TBS olive oil, 2 TBS sugar, 1 tsp. dry mustard, 1 tsp. garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle on top of bean salad and toss until well coated.
- Allow to chill in refrigerator at least one hour.
Notes
Nutrition
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