Easy Three Bean Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Three Bean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed); 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed); 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 1/2 medium red onion (peeled and diced); 3 stalks celery (chopped ); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 3 tablespoon granulated sugar (plus more to taste); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper (plus more to taste)

Posted by Jessica Randhawa

4.90 from 39 votes

Published Apr 05, 2021

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Three Bean Salad Recipe, made with affordable pantry essentials including garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans, takes less than 15 minutes to toss together. Dressed in a light vinaigrette, this delicious three bean salad is the perfect summer potluck or barbeque side dish.

Large white bowl filled with vegetarian three bean salad made with red kidney beans, cannellini beans, and garbanzo beans..

I love all kinds of salads. But simple pantry salads like this vibrant three-bean salad one holds a special place in my heart since it is so easy to prepare (and transport!)

Unlike my plan-ahead, think-ahead, do-ahead husband, I have a tendency to procrastinate everything. One would think I’d have the cooking for potlucks and parties figured out by now, but it’s the opposite. In fact, until recently I was always the one to bring store-bought food to potlucks and family gatherings.

Food blogger…what?

Fortunately, this delicious three bean salad is super easy, coming together really quickly as the bulk of it is made from canned beans. Other yummy additions include celery, red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but it’s easy to adjust those ingredients based on what you have stashed away in your pantry and refrigerator.

This salad is also:

vegetarian
vegan
dairy-free
and, gluten-free

How to Make Three Bean Salad

Make this yummy 3 bean salad in just a few easy steps:

Mix together the salad ingredients.
Prepare the vinaigrette.
Combine and toss well to coat.

That is it.

Should You Rinse Canned Beans?

I highly recommend rinsing the cannellini, garbanzo, and kidney beans. The reason being that they’re canned in a mixture of water and salt which, over time, causes the beans to release starches creating a thick, cloudy, and unappealing liquid.

Although it is completely edible, it is also very salty and will alter the overall taste (and look) of the final dish.

Simply drain the beans using a fine-mesh strainer and rinse with cool water before adding to your mixing bowl.

Are Bean Salads Healthy?

Beans are an excellent source of fiber, particularly the soluble kind, with approximately 1 cup of cooked beans providing 9-13 grams. Fiber helps lower blood cholesterol, promotes regularity, and helps manage blood sugar levels by helping you feel full for longer. All great things, right?

But beans are not only high in fiber; they’re also high in protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, B vitamins, and many other important vitamins and minerals. All very good things.

As for the other ingredients in the salad? Just be sure to take it easy on the olive oil and sugar (aka moderation) and you’ll be good to go!

Bean Salad Variations

As I mentioned above, have some fun and play around with different beans and flavors for countless bean salad variations. Here are some examples to get you started.

Four Bean Salad – Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Green beans, and Cannellini beans
Greek Bean Salad – Garbanzo beans, Cannellini beans, cucumber, tomato, olives, feta cheese, and bell pepper.
Mexican Bean Salad – Black beans, Kidney beans, Cannellini beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, jalapeño
Black Bean Salad – Just black beans…and any other favorite veggies (plus avocado, of course).
Caprese Bean Salad – Cannellini beans, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette

How Long Does Three Bean Salad Stay Fresh?

How long does three-bean salad last in the fridge? 3-5 days

To maximize shelf life, freshness, and safety, I recommend keeping leftovers stored in a clean airtight container. Sometimes, I’ll add a little sprinkle of fresh parsley to freshen it up.

How to Serve

I often prepare this salad (or a similar version) with baked chicken breasts and fresh fruit for an easy, delicious, healthy dinner that makes for even better leftovers.

However, any kind of protein will do including garlic butter steak bites, baked salmon, lamb chops, and even your favorite pork chop recipe.

Usually, however, a big scoop pairs really well with most simple and summer-focused recipes. The vinegar contrast is always a fun surprise, but never so overpowering that it’s all I taste.

Looking for more easy easy salad recipes? Try these reader favorites:

Have you tried making this Easy Three Bean Salad Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

Jessica Randhawa

Chef | Food Photographer

I’m Chef Jessica Randhawa, bringing over 14 years of experience in creating and publishing over 1200 mouthwatering recipes, coupled with invaluable kitchen tips and professional guidance, to transform your daily cooking into a truly enriching culinary adventure.

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