Classic Three Bean Salad Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

A delicious blend of beans tossed in a tangy dressing, three bean salad is the perfect side to any dinner! It’s super easy to whip up and has incredible flavor in each bite.

This three bean salad is an easy and flavorful salad you’ll love bringing to all of your potlucks this summer. A few more recipes to try out are Greek orzo salad, black bean and corn salad, and Mediterranean quinoa salad! They’re cool and refreshing but packed with amazing savory flavor!

Three Bean Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty, protein-packed salad to bring to all of your summer get-togethers, look no further! This quick and easy salad uses 3 different types of beans- green, kidney, and garbanzo, all tossed in a delicious, tangy dressing. I add in chopped red onions too for crunch and a pop of flavor! It’s going to fly off the table at your next potluck.

The delicious texture of this salad works with just about any entrée! The crunch and tangy flavor is a great contrast to meat dishes like this grilled honey barbecue chicken! As simple as this three bean salad is, it is so satisfying and delicious! It’s always a favorite at our house! You’re going to love the tangy dressing combined with soft beans and crunchy red onions!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make It

The best part about this delicious salad is the fact that you only need a handful of pantry staples to throw it together! The combination of these flavors is absolutely irresistible. You can find measurements for each ingredient listed in the recipe card below.

• Canned Beans: I used a mix of green beans, dark kidney beans, and garbanzo beans. You can also swap these out for black, pinto, or wax beans.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, delicious flavor and the perfect crunch!
• Vinegar: This recipe uses a blend of white wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar! The combination is tangy and slightly fruity.
• Sugar: This helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the beans in all of the delicious flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Add both to taste!

How to Make Classic Three Bean Salad

Making this three bean salad is as easy as it gets! It mixes up in minutes and is great for making ahead. I actually recommend it because this way, the flavors have more time to meld!

1. Prepare Beans and Onion: In a colander, add the beans and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and add the red onion.
2. Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl whisk the vinegar, sugar, and olive oil.
3. Combine: Add to the bowl and toss until coated. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.