Classic Three Bean Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing
Classic three bean salad with homemade dressing. An easy make-ahead side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Healthy Three Bean Salad and Homemade Dressing
This easy Three Bean Salad is a classic cold side dish packed with flavor, color, and texture. Made with three types of beans and tossed in a simple homemade dressing, it’s a healthy salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, BBQ’s and South African braais.
One of the best things about this salad is that you can make it ahead of time, allowing the beans to soak up all the delicious flavors from the dressing. Serve it alongside grilled meats, chicken, burgers, or your favorite barbecue dishes for an easy side everyone will enjoy. Find more ideas in Cold Salads recipes.
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Ingredients for Healthy Three Bean Salad and Homemade Dressing
- red kidney beans
- butter beans
- black beans
- onion
- cilantro, parsley
- garlic
- olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- cumin and cayenne pepper
Follow the recipe attached for the amounts needed. Download or print the recipe and use online with the cook mode, so simple.
For this delicious and the most simple summer salad of 3 beans and a homemade dressing you could add some chick peas if that is your thing. Here are the types of beans also used kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans.
How To Make Healthy Three Bean Salad and Homemade Dressing
- Obtain a large bowl for mixing the three bean in. With your hands or a large spoon gently mix them up.
- Chop the onion small and the celery or parsley and add these to the dish, mix them up.
- Then mix in the dressing. (Follow the recipe attached for the exact instruction and how to make the dressing.)
- Add the dressing and mix until all incorporated well.
- Place in the fridge to chill as this salad can be made ahead of time. But before you serve mix the bean salad up with the dressing that would have sank to the bottom of the bowl.
Three Bean Salad is such an easy dish to make. With onion, celery, and parsley mixed with the three different beans, your salad is full of protein and fiber and has a delightful mix of textures.
The beans will keep you fuller longer because of all the fiber they contain.
What to Serve With Three Bean Salad
- BBQ o r Grilled steak
- Grilled chicken
- Boerewors, sausage
- Burgers
- Pulled pork
- Roast chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Lamb chops
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Picnic lunches
FAQ’s and Tips for the 3 bean salad
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours because the beans absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Absolutely. Kidney beans, butter beans, cannellini beans, black beans, and chickpeas all work well in this recipe.
Yes. Beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this a nutritious and satisfying side dish.
Traditionally, Three Bean Salad is served chilled, making it ideal for warm weather meals, braais, and picnics.
Tips
- Drain and rinse canned beans well to reduce excess sodium.
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
- Add chopped red onion, bell peppers, or fresh herbs for extra color and crunch.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings and potlucks.
- Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference.
Looking for more ideas to round out your meals? Browse our full collection of warm side dishes for cozy comfort, explore refreshing cold side dishes for lighter pairings, or head over to the complete side dish recipe page to find the perfect match for any occasion. Find more recipe ideas Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes.
Recommendations.
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PrintClassic Three Bean Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing
Classic three bean salad with homemade dressing. An easy make-ahead side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: South african
Ingredients
- 3 types of beans you prefer.
- 1 Tin Red Beans
- 1 Tin of Butter or white Beans (or chickpeas)
- 1 Tin Black Beans
- 1 large red onion
- 1 Celery stork
- hand full of parsley or cilantro
- olive oil
- 1 Tbsp of Apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- salt and pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Obtain a large bowl for mixing the three bean up.
- Chop the onion small and the celery.
- Crush and chop the garlic.
To make the dressing.
- Add the minced garlic cloves to the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Then the cumin salt and cayenne and onions.
- Place in a jar and shake well. Until all the ingredients are mixed well.
- Pour over the three beans you already have in a mixing bowl.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
- Serve in a pretty bowl and place on the table.
- This dish may be kept in a sealed bowl in fridge for up to 3 – 4 days.
Notes
A protein filled side dish for lunch or snack and is versatile to use for any other dish topping.
Download some Printables to help in the kitchen.
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