Fresh green beans are mixed with garbanzo beans and kidney beans, then all get tossed with a tangy dressing. It’s tasty, budget friendly, and a surefire hit. Plus, it only takes about 12 minutes! So, what’s your go-to potluck salad? Maybe Macaroni Salad or Coleslaw, or maybe you’ve tried some of our more unique options like Tabbouleh or Cowboy Caviar? Well if you’re looking to switch it up, this classic three bean salad, which has been a potluck staple for generations, is a great option!
You’ll LOVE this Easy 3 Bean Salad Recipe Because it’s:
Ingredients
Green beans – Provides a crunchy texture and fresh taste. Garbanzo beans – Adds a creaminess and rich, nutty flavor. Kidney beans – Introduces color contrast and a soft bite. Red onion – Offers a sharp flavor contrast and a pop of color. Dressing – Extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard, fresh parsley, salt, pepper.
Classic Three Bean Salad Recipe
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Blanch the green beans: Prepare an ice water bath. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch green beans for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to the ice water bath.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, toss together green beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and onion. Pour in dressing and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust.
What to Serve with 3 Bean Salad
This is one of the most versatile salads out there! Try it with your favorite potluck foods like Grilled Chicken, Pork Chops, Shish Kabobs or BBQ Ribs. It’s great alongside other nostalgic comfort foods like American Goulash, Salisbury Steak, Pot Roast and Chicken Fried Steak. Some other pairing ideas are Steak Bites, Chicken Cacciatore, Oven Fried Chicken, and Baked Salmon.
Variations
You can easily play with this salad to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
Add some feta: This is our favorite variation, it’s so good! Swap out the beans: Replace any of the beans with different varieties like black beans or cannellini. Add veggies: Think cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers or cucumber. Give it some crunch: Some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds give great texture. Play with the dressing: Try other dressings for different flavors.
Leftovers and Storage
Three bean salad makes great leftovers, as the flavors have time to mingle. Unlike lettuce based salads, you don’t have to worry about it getting soggy. Refrigerate leftovers for 4-5 days in an airtight container. Give everything a good toss before serving, in case the dressing has sunk to the bottom. Try this easy three bean salad for your future cookouts, or even just your weeknight dinners. And be sure to make a big batch, because everyone’s gonna want to dig in! Pin or bookmark this great recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!
Three Bean Salad, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
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