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A vibrant three bean salad recipe featuring dark kidney beans, chickpeas, and green beans with a glossy dressing.

Three Bean Salad Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
This classic three bean salad features kidney beans, chickpeas, and crisp green beans tossed in a glossy sweet-tangy dressing. Chill to let the vibrant flavors meld beautifully.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk

Ingredients
 

Salad

  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
  • 1 cup green beans
  • 3/4 cup celery
  • 3/4 cup red onion
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1 shallot

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Drain the kidney beans and chickpeas, then place them in a large mixing bowl with the green beans. The bowl should already look balanced with firm, distinct beans rather than a wet pile.
  • Add the celery, red onion, shallot, and parsley to the bowl. You want the vegetables evenly scattered through the beans so every serving gets crunch and freshness.
  • Whisk the honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, celery salt, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl until combined. The dressing should look glossy and lightly blended instead of separated into clear layers.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and fold everything together with a rubber spatula. Mix gently until the beans are coated and shiny without breaking apart.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. As it chills, the onions soften a bit and the beans absorb the sweet tangy flavor more deeply.
  • Serve the salad cold from the fridge. The best texture is crisp, chilled, and evenly coated with dressing that still looks bright and glossy.

Notes

Prep tip: Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately shock them in ice water to maintain their vibrant color and crisp snap.
Ingredient tip: Thoroughly rinse canned beans to remove excess starch and any metallic canned flavor for a cleaner-tasting salad.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and peak on day 2.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables and beans will lose their crisp texture and become watery.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 21.5gProtein: 3.2gFat: 8.8gSaturated Fat: 1.2gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3.8gSugar: 12.4gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword potluck side dish, sweet and tangy vinaigrette, three bean salad recipe
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