Right here’s find out how to make the very best three bean salad recipe: a recent spin on Grandma’s! It’s really easy to throw collectively for picnics and potlucks.

Right here’s a recent spin on that basic Bean Salad! You realize, the sort at picnics and potlucks lengthy into the cicada-buzzing summer season? This American basic has been gracing tables for generations, and everybody has their very own tackle it. Right here’s our spin on that bean salad of our youth, with rather less sugar and extra freshness. However don’t fear: it’s nonetheless a straightforward three bean salad that’s as straightforward as dump and stir. We’re dying so that you can attempt it and tell us…is it really higher than Grandma’s? (Sorry, Grandma: don’t be offended!)
Reading: Recipe for three bean salad
Table of Contents
The anatomy of a bean salad!
Bean salad is a basic American salad of canned beans marinated in a French dressing. It’s a staple at picnics and potlucks, as a result of it doesn’t require refrigeration! It’s a facet dish that may sit out within the warmth for hours. The origin story of this basic is hazy, however it’s protected to say it originated within the 1950’s as a result of that’s when recipes began showing in cookbooks (per this supply). Both means: Alex and I’ve been having fun with it for our complete lives.
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Bean salad recipes fluctuate and most cooks have their very own regional spin. The commonest components are kidney beans, inexperienced beans, and garbanzo beans (it’s typically referred to as three bean salad). Different components you’ll typically see are pinto beans, wax beans, and onions. It’s virtually all the time marinated in a dressing of vinegar, oil, sugar and salt.

The way to make this three bean salad recipe
Our spin on Grandma’s three bean salad is simply as straightforward to make because the 1950’s type basic. Which means the primary steps are “dump and stir:” open the bean cans and stir every part collectively! On the similar time, we needed to clean up the basic by chopping again on the sugar and including a bit of freshness. Listed here are the weather we added to this three bean salad to make a contemporary spin:
- Kidney beans and pinto beans: Why no chickpeas? They will have a tricky texture and don’t take in the marinade as shortly. We choose pinto beans in a bean salad.
- Inexperienced and yellow beans: Use simply inexperienced beans for a basic three bean salad. However we like the colour distinction of including yellow wax beans to the combination.
- White onion and pink onion: White onion is commonplace and has probably the most basic taste. Pink onion provides brightness with the stunning purple! It’s elective however makes a pleasant visible assertion.
- Curly parsley: The inexperienced confetti provides a recent taste and visible aptitude. Use curly parsley you probably have it, however Italian additionally works.
- White vinegar and olive oil: The salad the place it’s applicable to make use of white vinegar as an alternative of white wine vinegar? Bean salad. (And German cucumber salad, after all.) It provides simply the precise astringent punch, balanced by the salt and sugar.
- Dill and garlic powder: These spices aren’t commonplace, however they amp the flavors simply sufficient.

Eat instantly, or marinate no less than 1 hour
You’ll be able to eat your bean salad recipe immediately and it’s very tasty. Or pop it within the fridge to let it marinate for no less than 1 hour, and it’s even higher. The refrigeration time actually lets the flavors soak in.
The top end result? This recipe has half the sugar as the usual, however it’s simply as scrumptious! It’s acquired all of the basic parts so you are feeling such as you’re consuming Grandma’s. We’ll be consuming this for years to return.
Tip: find out how to slice the onions
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One space the place dwelling cooks could be tripped up: find out how to reduce the onions into slivers! The reduce that appears finest on this bean salad recipe is completely different from the usual half-moon form. Some folks name it French reduce: it’s a means of creating the onion slivers look engaging as an alternative of lengthy and floppy.
- The way to do it? It’s best to elucidate by exhibiting you. Go to minute 1:40 of this The way to Lower an Onion video!
- The essential clarification? Lower slices from the tip to the basis (as an alternative of by the center).
Storage data
How lengthy does selfmade bean salad final? Retailer it refrigerated for 3 to five days. Like a pickle, the flavour intensifies over time! It’s nice for lunches all through the week. Beans don’t final indefinitely refrigerated, so be certain that to not go away it longer than the storage suggestion.

When to serve bean salad (actually anytime!)
Final however not least: find out how to serve bean salad! We’re large followers of this straightforward salad and we expect it really works anytime: picnics, potlucks, and meals any time of the 12 months. It’s a fantastic protein-packed vegan facet dish, and it helps to make any vegetarian or plant-based meal extra filling. It is also nice for summer season grilled meals. Listed here are a couple of different salads you can pair with it for a stellar summer season salad unfold:
- Strawberry Summer season Salad
- Simple Tortellini Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Antipasto Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Celery Salad with Apples
This bean salad recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
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