3 Bean Salad Recipe: A Classic Summer Side Dish

If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks, you’ll love this 3 bean salad recipe. Made with canned beans, it’s quick, easy, and requires no cooking, making it a great option for hot summer days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 3 bean salad is a classic for a reason it’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and can be customized to your taste.

The combination of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans provides a nice texture and flavor contrast, while the dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet note.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up canned goods and reduce food waste.

Whether you’re a fan of bean salad or just looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, this 3 bean salad is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions, and get started on making this delicious summer side dish.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this recipe from scratch:

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed , kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and their mild flavor makes them a perfect base for this salad.

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed , black beans add a nice texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the salad.

1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed , pinto beans are another great source of protein and fiber, and their mild flavor complements the other beans nicely.

1/2 cup chopped red onion , red onion adds a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness to the salad.

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley , fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor and a nice texture contrast to the beans.

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro , cilantro adds a nice herbal flavor and a touch of freshness to the salad.

2 tablespoons olive oil , olive oil is used to make the dressing and add moisture to the salad.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar , apple cider vinegar adds a nice tanginess and a touch of sweetness to the dressing.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , Dijon mustard adds a nice creaminess and a touch of spice to the dressing.

1 teaspoon dried oregano , dried oregano adds a nice herbal flavor and a touch of earthiness to the salad.

Salt and pepper to taste , salt and pepper are used to season the salad and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Why These Ingredients

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a perfect base for this salad. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most supermarkets.

When using canned kidney beans, make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium and preserve their texture.

Black Beans

Black beans are another great source of protein and fiber, and their slightly sweet flavor complements the other beans nicely. They’re also a good source of antioxidants and have been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are a type of mottled bean that’s commonly used in Latin American cuisine. They have a mild flavor and a soft texture, making them a great addition to this salad.

Pinto beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and several important vitamins and minerals.

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions. This recipe is relatively simple and requires no cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Step 1: Prepare the Beans , drain and rinse the kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, and set them aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Chop the Onions and Herbs , chop the red onion, parsley, and cilantro, and add them to the bowl with the beans.

Step 3: Make the Dressing , in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Salad , pour the dressing over the beans and onions, and toss to combine. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing and the flavors are evenly distributed.

How To Serve

This 3 bean salad is a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

As a side dish for grilled meats or vegetables , the salad’s tangy dressing and fresh herbs complement the smoky flavor of grilled foods perfectly.

As a topping for salads or bowls , the salad’s creamy dressing and crunchy texture make it a great addition to green salads, grain bowls, or soups.

As a dip for chips or vegetables , the salad’s creamy dressing and crunchy texture make it a great dip for chips, crackers, or raw vegetables.

As a filling for sandwiches or wraps , the salad’s creamy dressing and crunchy texture make it a great filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pitas.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

This salad can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Refrigerator

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container, and give it a good stir before serving.

Freezer

This salad can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill add a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. Make sure to use them within a day or two of purchase, and chop them just before adding them to the salad.

Adjust the Dressing

The dressing is a key component of this salad, and you can adjust it to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more apple cider vinegar.

If you prefer a creamier dressing, add more Dijon mustard.

Add Some Heat

If you like a little heat in your salad, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the dressing. This will add a nice spicy kick to the salad.

Make it a Meal

This salad can be made into a meal by adding some protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. You can also add some crunchy texture with chopped nuts or seeds.

Use Different Beans

While this recipe uses kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, you can experiment with different types of beans to find your favorite combination. Some other options include cannellini beans, chickpeas, or Great Northern beans.

Final Thoughts

This 3 bean salad is a classic summer side dish that’s easy to make, healthy, and delicious. With its tangy dressing and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.

So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of summer in every bite.