The Best Homemade Three Bean Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Three Bean Salad is a quick, healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, packed with flavor and easy to whip up. You’ll love how it combines simplicity with big, fresh taste—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- It’s super easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- The mix of beans, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
- It’s versatile, great as a side dish, snack, or even a light meal, and stays fresh for days.
Recipe

This Three Bean Salad is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side. It’s packed with flavors and textures, combining three types of beans with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, red onion, celery, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving.
Notes:
For best results, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or overnight. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk, knife, cutting board.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This Three Bean Salad is a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my three bean salad with juicy grilled chicken; it adds a hearty touch that balances the salad’s lightness so well. A slice of fresh, crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any extra dressing and rounding out the meal. It’s a simple combo that always feels satisfying and complete.
Grilled Chicken Pairing
When I’m grilling chicken, I always think about how a revitalizing side dish can really tie the meal together, and that’s where this three bean salad shines. Its mix of tender beans, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing complements the smoky, juicy flavors of the chicken perfectly. I love how the salad adds a fresh, zesty contrast that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s so easy to prep ahead, leaving more time to focus on the grill. Trust me, once you pair these two, it’ll become your go-to summer dinner combo. It’s just that good!
Fresh Bread Complement
Fresh bread can take your meal to the next level, especially when you’re serving something as vibrant as three bean salad. I love pairing it with a warm, crusty loaf of sourdough or a soft, fluffy ciabatta. The contrast between the hearty beans and the delicate bread is just perfect. Sometimes, I’ll even toast a slice, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Whether it’s a baguette or a homemade focaccia, fresh bread makes the whole meal feel more complete and satisfying. Don’t skip it!