Protein packed 3 bean salad can be made in 15 minutes or less. A simple salad dressing takes this salad to a whole new level. Look no further for a salad that’s perfect for potluck and summer picnics!
1heirloom tomato or ripe Roma tomato - deseeded and diced
For The Salad Dressing –
2 ½tablespoonapple cider vinegarsubstitute with red wine vinegar
⅓cupextra virgin olive oil
3tablespoonwhite sugarwe skipped
2tablespoonlemon juice
2teaspoonoreganofresh or dried
2teaspoonrosemaryfresh or dried
2teaspoonbasilfresh or dried
½cupparsley finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Before you start, get the vegetables prepped. Though adding vegetables to three bean salad is option, we highly recommend you use fresh vegetables in this salad.
Cut cucumbers lengthwise into half. Scoop the seeds out from the centre. Dice cucumber into small pieces.
Use fresh tomatoes (summer heirloom tomatoes are great choice). Scoop out seeds and liquids from the center of tomatoes and dice it.
Chop red onions fine.Pro-Tip : Soak chopped onions in water to take the edge off the onion and soften it’s taste. Optional step.
Chop fresh celery stalks.
Prep salad dressing beforehand. Into a mason jar add apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, oregano, fresh rosemary, fresh basil and sugar (we skipped). Shake well and keep aside until use.
Make sure to drain in strainer and rinse canned beans first before you use it to make salad. Canned beans are cooked beans soaked in salt water (brine), you need to drain and rinse it.
Add all three drained and rinsed bean into mixing bowl.
Add diced summer vegetables of your choice into the bowl.
Drizzle salad dressing into the mixing bowl. Carefully toss the salad until everything comes together.
Serve immediately or store in fridge for 2 to 3 days after draining the dressing liquids so the texture of beans and vegetables are not lost.
Video
Notes
More Vegetables: Though 3 bean salad traditional is made with just the beans we recommend you use fresh summer vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, celery and onion) for added texture. Fresh and canned ingredients mixed together gives great texture and taste.
Substitutions: Feel free to substitute apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar. Cannelini beans can be substituted with fresh (blanched) green beans or canned green beans. Red kidney beans can be substituted with black beans.
More Flavors : If you want to add heat (extra kick) to the recipe, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your salad dressing. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the salad dressing oomphs up the flavors. A clove of garlic always works for adding more flavors in the salad.
Onion : Soak chopped onions in water before use to take the edge off the onion and soften it’s taste. Optional step.
How to Use Canned Beans : Make sure to drain in strainer and rinse canned beans first before you use it to make salad. Canned beans are cooked beans soaked in salt water (brine), you need to drain and rinse it.
How to Store This Salad : If storing salad for more than a day, drain off the dressing liquids and then store in closed container in fridge. If salad is stored along with liquid, the vegetables and beans will loose it's texture.
Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.