Three-Bean Salad (Printable version)

Colorful bean medley with crisp vegetables in tangy vinaigrette

# What You Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 cup canned green beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Vinaigrette

07 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
09 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, red onion, celery, and parsley.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
05 - Toss again before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes flat, which means less time stressing and more time enjoying your day.
  • The flavor actually improves as it sits, so you can make it hours ahead without any guilt.
  • Three different beans give you protein and fiber in every forkful, plus that satisfying textural variety.
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the canned beans—this one step removes the cloudy, salty liquid that would otherwise muddy your salad's clean taste.
  • The salad actually needs that hour in the refrigerator to become something special; rushing straight to the table means missing out on the way the flavors settle and deepen.
03 -
  • Make this a day ahead if you can—it's one of those dishes that genuinely improves overnight as flavors deepen and settle.
  • Keep a little extra vinaigrette on the side and toss it in again just before serving, as the beans continue to absorb liquid and the dressing gradually thickens.
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