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3-Bean Salad

Best 3-Bean Salad for Potlucks: Holds Up for Days, Sweet-Tangy, Crisp, Not Mushy

Three bean salad is one of those classic sides that never goes out of style. It’s the dish you see at summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings because it checks every box: it’s inexpensive, it feeds a crowd, it travels well, and it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. The problem is that a lot of three bean salads are either too sweet, too sharp, or—worst of all—watery with mushy beans.
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Temps de préparation 25 minutes
Catégorie Entrée, Salad
Cuisine Worldwide
Portions 4 Portions
Calories 250 kcal

Ingrédients
  

Beans

  • 1 15 oz can green beans, drained
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup celery diced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped (optional)

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional

Instructions
 

  • Drain green beans. Drain and rinse kidney beans and chickpeas; drain well.
  • Dice onion, pepper, and celery.
  • Whisk vinegar, oil, sugar, Dijon, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until sugar dissolves.
  • Toss beans and vegetables with dressing.
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours (best overnight). Stir and taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Storage

Three bean salad keeps extremely well.
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
  • Stir before serving because the dressing settles.
  • Flavor improves after day 1.

FAQ

Can I make three bean salad the day before?

Yes—actually that’s the best way. Overnight resting makes it taste like deli-style three bean salad.

Why is my three bean salad watery?

Either the beans weren’t drained well, or the vegetables released water. Drain beans thoroughly and keep vegetable dice small. You can also salt the onions lightly for 10 minutes, then drain.

Is three bean salad healthy?

It’s high in fiber and plant protein. To lighten it, reduce the oil slightly and use less sugar (or replace sugar with a bit of maple syrup for flavor impact).

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes. Blanch fresh green beans until just tender-crisp, then chill and dry thoroughly before mixing.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons and use apple cider vinegar. You can also add a bit more Dijon for balance.

What goes well with three bean salad?

BBQ chicken, burgers, fish, sandwiches, and picnic platters. It’s also great with creamy pasta dishes because it cuts richness.
Mots clés Salad