The Easy Three Bean Salad is one that you'll make all year long! With cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, red onion and an easy vinaigrette.
I know what you're thinking.
Where are the green beans and the wax beans?
I know. But you won't miss them in this even easier salad! When making the classic 3 bean salad, you had to either use fresh green beans and cook them a bit or use canned.
This version uses all canned beans making it perfect year round!
Ingredients
Canned Beans - cannellini, garbanzo (chickpeas) and kidney beans.
Olive oil - use a good flavored extra virgin olive oil.
Sugar, salt and pepper.
Red onion - can also use Pickled Red Onion.
Parsley - optional, but adds a nice touch and flavor. Could also use cilantro or basil.
Red wine vinegar - or your favorite vinegar. A flavored vinegar would work like our Lemon Herb Vinegar or our Basil Vinegar.
Instructions
In a bowl large enough to hold the salad, mix together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk to dissolve the salt and sugar.
If you want your onions to have less of a bite, dice them and add them to the dressing to soak for a few minutes.
Open the beans and rinse in a colander.
Add the beans to the bowl.
Stir to coat the beans with the dressing.
If you are using the parsley, mince it and add it to the salad.
Like most bean salads, this was even better the next day! The flavors blended beautifully! Perfect for a picnic or to pack in your lunch!
While there is nothing wrong with the classic three bean salad with green beans and/or wax beans, I really do love this even easier version!
I will always keep some canned beans on hand so that I can make this anytime I want!
Some easy additions: celery, bell pepper, cucumbers and capers.
More bean recipes:
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Recipe
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All Bean Three Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 15 ounce canned cannellini beans
- 15 ounce canned kidney beans
- 15 ounce canned chickpeas
- ½ cup red onion minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl large enough to hold the salad, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper until sugar and salt dissolve.
- If you want you onion a little mellower, add it to the vinaigrette in the bowl to sit for a few minutes.
- Drain the beans and rinse them in a colander.
- Add the beans to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
This was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2020.
Beth says
This recipe is so delicious and yummy! I can't wait to make this again!
Jessica Formicola says
Bean salad is my favorite, and this is the best recipe I’ve found! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
I love beans so this salad is right up my alley! It looks so good!
Kathryn Donangelo says
This 3 bean salad is so easy, simple and delicious! It made with best side dish this weekend, thank you!
Miz Helen says
I can't wait to try this salad, it looks fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great week!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Deb in Hawaii says
Bring on the cilantro! 😉 This salad looks amazing--love the sounds of that dressing. Much prettier on the plate than the average 3-bean salad too. Thanks for sharing it with Souper Sundays this week.
Pam Greer says
I think you would love this!
grace says
it seems surprising to me to see a three bean salad with no kidney beans! i don't mind though--this is fantastic!
Pam Greer says
You don't miss the kidney beans at all!
KalynsKitchen says
Now that is my kind of salad, sounds great!
Pam Greer says
Thanks Kalyn, I think you would love it!
Chris says
That Cilantro chile dressing would rock as a marinade for grilled shrimp or chicken.
Pam Greer says
Oh you are right!
Ordinary Blogger (Rivki Locker) says
This looks wonderful. One of my kids hates the smell of cilantro so I avoid cooking with it because otherwise I get LOADS of complaints. But this salad might be worth it. Looks great!
Pam Greer says
You could even substitute parsley for the cilantro!
Bella Rum says
Pam,
When I saw this post in my reader, I had to jump right over here. I love bean salads. So does my husband, and we're in the cilantro camp. So that will not be a problem. I also wanted to tell you that I've made that avocado/mango salad so many times this summer. It's one of my favorite salads, ever. What a flavor combination.
Pam Greer says
You have to try this salad then, you will love it!
cheri says
HI Pam, love this combination of beans, great salad.
Pam Greer says
Thanks, it really is a wonderful bean salad!
Marjie says
My daughter cleaned the fresh veggies from her fridge and brought them with her the last time she came up for 3 days, and cilantro was among the things she brought. I tried it, and wanted to like it, but to me it tasted like dishwater. I'm also not a fan of most beans, so I'll have to pass, pretty as this looks. I like your garlic chive flowers next to the plate.
Pam Greer says
I think the taste of cilantro grew on me, kind of like beer 🙂
a quiet life says
i LOVE cilantro, just not wild about beans...!
Pam Greer says
I didn't know you didn't like beans!
Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says
Hi Pam, All these ingredients sound delicious together! I think my family would love it. Linda
Pam Greer says
Thanks Linda!
Joanne says
Definitely true...you cannot have a picnic without a good bean salad!! Definitely loving the fresh flavors in this one.
Pam Greer says
It's the law - all picnics must have a bean salad!
Mary says
Sounds delicious and so different Pam! Consider me a cilantro lover 🙂
Pam Greer says
I think it's my new favorite three bean salad!