Three Bean Salad

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Three Bean Salad made with black beans, white beans and garbanzo beans.  An easy and delicious bean salad filled with fresh flavors.

How many bean salad recipes are out there? There’s three bean salad, four bean salad, five bean, Mexican bean, and black bean and corn! That’s a whole lot of bean salads and I’m sure there’s a whole lot more out there! Why so many  recipes?

First, beans are good for you so people tend to come up with ideas to use them. Second, beans are so versatile. They can be served hot or cold; plain or dressed and pair well with so many different ingredients. And finally, people like beans! They taste good in just about everything, including salad!

What type of beans do I need for three bean salad?

I used black beans, white beans and garbanzo beans. You could also use small red kidney beans or pinto beans. Use what you have on hand or substitute your favorite bean, but just for the record, there are no green beans in this salad!

Do I use canned beans?

I used canned beans when I made this salad. You do want to fully rinse the beans to remove all the liquid the beans were packed in. Just place the beans in a colander and rinse. You could also cook your own dried beans. I have an easy Instant Pot recipe for making beans. 

Does this salad need to be refrigerated?

No, this salad does not need to be refrigerated. This makes it a perfect side dish to take to a summer potluck or BBQ. You don’t have to worry about anything going bad if it isn’t kept cold. This salad is also a perfect make ahead salad. Once made I do cover and refrigerate and pull out when ready to serve. If you do make ahead, just give a quick stir just before serving.

How do I make bean salad?

1. Rinse and drain beans
2. Add chopped and seeded tomatoes
3. Add chopped green onions
4. Add chopped fresh parsley
5. Mix olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper together
6. Add oil mixture to bean mixture
7. Stir and serve or cover and refrigerate

A few tips when making this salad:

• 1 roma tomato equals 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 6 green onions equals 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• When chopping parsley, it’s easier to do a fine chop if your parsley is dry
• Don’t leave out the red pepper flakes! You can add a bit more if you like spicy or reduce just a touch if you don’t.
• Always taste your salad and add additional salt and pepper if needed
• Stir salad just before serving

Is three bean salad good for you?

Some great thing about this salad is it is

• high in fiber
• high in protein
• high in iron
• low in calories
• low in sodium

How long will this salad keep?

You can keep this salad up to 3- 5 days in the refrigerator. If it’s not refrigerated eat within one day. 

Are there other delicious recipes using beans?

You bet! You might want to try Bean Taco Cups, Beans and Rice, Black Bean Dip and Refried Beans. I told you beans are versatile! 

This salad is perfect served alongside BBQ Chicken, Grilled Flank Steak and Grilled burgers and hot dogs. 

Don’t forget to PIN for later! 

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my salad recipes.