Rebecca Thompson
Dedicated woman chef with a passion for creating unforgettable main dishes. Innovative and skilled in crafting diverse flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Three Bean Salad
What is it? Three Bean Salad is a healthy, flavor-packed salad that uses simple, affordable pantry staples and comes together in just 10 minutes with 1 bowl. It is an excellent side dish especially for summer gatherings.
Where is it from? The origin of the Three Bean Salad isn't strictly tied to a particular region or culture. It is a versatile dish that has been adopted and adapted by many different countries around the world.
When is it a perfect fit? The Three Bean Salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues and other outdoor events. Its robust and refreshing flavor, along with its easy and fast preparation, make it a staple for summer gatherings. It's also perfect for family dinners, potlucks and office parties.
Nifty info: The salad does not only taste delicious but is also packed with fiber, crunchy veggies and a herby vinaigrette, making it irresistible. Besides, the major beans used in this recipe- kidney beans, chickpeas and cannellini beans- are powerhouses of good nutrition.
- Calories218
- Time10
- Portions6
- Score4.00
Ingredients
Dressing
- Olive Oil 2-3 Tbsp
- Red Wine Vinegar 1/3 cup
- Dried Oregano 1/4 tsp
- Sea Salt 3/4-1 tsp
- Black Pepper 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Maple Syrup 1 tsp
Salad
- Cannellini Beans 1 (15 oz.) can, drained and rinsed
- Kidney Beans 1 (15 oz.) can, drained and rinsed
- Chickpeas 1 (15 oz.) can, drained and rinsed
- Celery 4 stalks, diced
- Red Onion 1/2 medium, diced
- Fresh Parsley 1/2 cup, chopped (optional)
Preparation
Prepare Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, sea salt, optional black pepper, and maple syrup. Whisk the mixture well to combine.
Mix Salad
Next, add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, diced celery, diced red onion, and optional chopped parsley to the dressing mixture in the bowl.
Stir well to combine and ensure that the salad ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
Taste the salad, and adjust as needed. You can add more olive oil for richness, vinegar for punch, salt for overall flavor, or maple syrup for sweetness.
You can serve the Salad at room temperature right away or let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Suggestions
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep well, retaining its flavor and texture, for up to 3 to 5 days. However, please note that the salad is not freezer friendly.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields 6 servings, and each serving contains approximately 218 Calories. Detailed nutritional content includes Carbohydrates: 31.9 g, Protein: 10.8 g, Fat: 6.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0.8 g, and Fiber: 9.5 g among other nutrients.
Additional Tip
If you are looking for a unique side dish for your summer gatherings or any event, this salad should be your go-to option. It not only comes together fast and keeps well, but it's also delicious and packed with nutrients.
Frequent Questions
Can I replace any beans in the recipe?
Yes, you can replace any beans in the recipe as per your preference. The recipe is versatile, and you can use other beans such as black beans, pinto beans or edamame instead of or along with any of the specified beans. However, ensure that you maintain the total quantity of beans to keep the balance of flavors.
Can the salad be served right away?
Yes, the salad can be served right away at room temperature. However, if you have time, it's recommended to let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors in the salad to meld together, and the salad will taste even better.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Three Bean Salad is gluten-free as it does not contain any ingredients with gluten. However, always ensure to read the labels of the canned beans you're using, as some brands might add additives that contain gluten.
Could there be a dressing alternative for this salad?
The original dressing for the Three Bean Salad uses olive oil, red wine vinegar, and some condiments. If you want to try a different dressing, you can consider a citrus-based dressing like lemon or lime vinaigrette. A cream-based dressing like Greek yogurt-based dressing could also be an interesting alternative.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Absolutely, you can add other veggies to this salad. Some good options would be chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber or even chopped lettuce. Just remember to maintain the balance of flavor.