Retro Rainbow: The Classic 3 Bean Salad, Reimagined!

Rainbow Retro: Easy 3 Bean Salad Recipe with a Twist!

By Savvy SpoonJune 4, 2025

This 3 bean salad recipe? Not your nan's! Vibrant & snappy, with a sweet-tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs & lunchboxes. A taste of sunshine in every bite! ... Salads & Bowls

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Right, let's dive into this 3 bean salad recipe , shall we? remember those summer picnics? where there was always that one bean salad lurking on the table? well, forget that .

We're making a marinated beans recipe that'll actually get people excited. seriously!

Retro Rainbow: Your New Favourite 3 Bean Salad

This isn't just any three bean salad . this is your 3 bean salad , reimagined. it's colourful, crunchy, and has a dressing that'll make your taste buds sing.

Think salad side dishes that everyone will actually fight over.

Honestly, this bean salad is a classic for a reason. it's probably been around since your grandma was rocking poodle skirts.

Its origins lie in the resourceful american tradition of preserving food and creating simple, satisfying dishes. this isn't fussy. this veggie dishes is easy, and the result is so, so worth it.

This recipe is rated easy peasy! the prep time is just 20 minutes. then you just need to chill out for about 30.

This healthy salad recipes makes 6 servings, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Why You'll Love This 3 Bean Salad

Okay, let's talk benefits. This bean salad recipes is packed with fibre. Seriously, it's a champion. Perfect for keeping you feeling full and happy. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, if that's your jam.

This 3 bean salad is awesome for potlucks, bbqs, or even just a quick lunch. what makes it special? it's all about the dressing.

That sweet and tangy flavour. it will knock your socks off. trust me.

And the best part? it’s even better the next day! the flavors meld together and the beans get all happy and marinated .

What are you waiting for? let's talk ingredients! you're gonna love this easy bean recipes .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing 3 bean salad recipe . no fuss, just the good stuff.

Honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle. this ain't your sad desk lunch!

Retro Rainbow: The Classic 3 Bean Salad Reimagined! presentation

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

This marinated beans recipe thrives on simplicity. Good ingredients means better flavor. You know? Let’s break it down.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the shopping list, properly measured! We're making a 3 Bean Salad , so beans are, like, kind of important.

Kidney Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g) , drained and rinsed. Look for beans that aren't mushy, quality is key here.
Green Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g) , drained. They should be a nice green colour, not all pale and sad.
Cannellini Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g) , drained and rinsed. You can use Great Northern beans instead too.
Red Onion: 1/2 medium (approx. 75g) , thinly sliced. It adds such a bite!
Green Bell Pepper: 1/2 (approx. 75g) , finely diced. Gotta get that crunch.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (packed) (approx. 5g) , chopped. Fresh is best, innit?

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boost

This salad isn't just beans; it's a flavor party. Here are the spices that make it sing:

White Wine Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Adjust to your sweetness preference.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Olive oil is good too, if you’re fancy.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15g) . Adds a kick!
Celery Seed: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Don't skip this! It's the secret weapon.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) .
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) . Freshly ground is always better.

These combinations create this three bean salad so special. the recipe makes it really stand out from the rest of the bean salad recipes , salad side dishes , veggie dishes , bean recipes , and healthy salad recipes .

I once forgot the celery seed, and honestly, it just wasn’t the same. total game changer! you can't imagine it.

Equipment Needed

Don’t stress about having fancy gadgets. We're keeping it simple. I’ve made this Bean Salad in campsites with less!

Large Mixing Bowl. For, you know, mixing.
Whisk.
Measuring Cups and Spoons.
Cutting Board.
Sharp Knife.

See? Nothing too scary. A fork can even work as a whisk if you're desperate. You'll be surprised, the 3 bean salad recipe can be very forgiving.

Right then, let's tackle this classic 3 bean salad recipe ! honestly, when i first heard of it, i pictured something boring my nan would bring to a potluck.

But trust me, this revamped version is actually banging. i'm talking a rainbow of colors and a flavour explosion that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

I heard that the average person eats around 3 pounds of dry beans each year, which makes this bean salad a great way to get your bean fix.

Ready to dive in?

Retro Rainbow: The Classic 3 Bean Salad, Reimagined!

Forget soggy and bland! we're taking the three bean salad and making it shine. this isn't just another one of those boring bean salad recipes ; it's a vibrant salad side dish , a party in your mouth, and it's ready in under an hour.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!

First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything prepped before you start. Honestly, this is a game-changer. It makes cooking way less stressful.

Essential mise en place: Drain and rinse one 15-ounce can kidney beans, one 15-ounce can green beans, and one 15-ounce can cannellini beans. Thinly slice 1/2 a red onion. Dice 1/2 a green bell pepper. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
Time-saving organization tips: Get all your measuring cups and spoons out. Pre-measure all your spices and dressing ingredients.
Safety reminders: Nothing too dangerous here, but watch your fingers when chopping!

Step-by-Step: Bean Salad Bliss

Here's the breakdown. It's so easy, even I can't mess it up, LOL.

Prep the beans: Give those kidney and cannellini beans a good rinse. Drain the green beans.
Chop it up: Slice that red onion super thin. Dice the bell pepper nice and small. Chop the parsley.
Dressing time: Whisk together 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Combine the goodness: In a big bowl, mix the beans, red onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
Dress it up: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Chill out: Cover that bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more those flavors get to know each other.
Serve and Enjoy!: Give it another toss before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bean Game

Want to take your Bean Salad to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years:

Don't overcook the green beans! Canned green beans are already cooked so drain them well
Taste and adjust: Don't be shy! Add more vinegar for tang, or more sugar for sweetness.
Make-ahead magic: This is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Honestly, it's better the next day! It makes a Healthy Salad Recipe .

So there you have it! a super simple, utterly delicious 3 bean salad recipe that's perfect for any occasion. i hope you enjoyed learning all about this marinated beans recipe ! whether you’re after bean recipes , veggie dishes or bean salad recipes , this ticks all the boxes.

Give it a go and let me know what you think!

Right, let's chat about the ins and outs of this Retro Rainbow 3 Bean Salad recipe . Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up!

Recipe Notes: Nitty-Gritty Bits

This isn't just a toss-it-all-in-a-bowl situation. There are a few things that, if you pay attention to, can take this marinated beans recipe to the next level.

Serving Suggestions: Look at This Beaut

Listen, presentation matters. you know? plating this 3 bean salad is key. think about layering the beans in a bowl to show off the colours.

Sprinkle a bit of extra fresh parsley on top. for drinks, honestly, a crisp white wine like a sauvignon blanc or a simple lemonade would do the trick.

As far as salad side dishes go, this goes great with anything off the grill.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Refrigeration is your friend here. this three bean salad can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? the longer it sits, the more the flavours mingle.

Freezing? nah, don't even bother. it'll go all soggy. reheating? you don't reheat a bean salad , silly. just eat it cold.

Variations: Mixing It Up

Feel like getting a bit fancy? for a healthy salad recipe , you could halve the sugar and swap the vegetable oil for olive oil.

Simple swap. or, if you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a bit of a kick.

For other bean recipes , try using chickpeas or edamame. loads of options.

Nutrition Basics: Good For Ya!

Ok, so each serving is about 220 calories, with 8g of protein. it is full of veggie dishes ! plus, it's got a good amount of fibre.

This bean salad is actually pretty good for you, especially if you go easy on the sugar.

So, there you have it. All the bits and bobs you need to know about this Bean Salad Recipes . Give it a go. You might just surprise yourself. Happy cooking!

Vibrant Bean Salad Recipe: Summer&#039 s Must-Have Side Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this 3 bean salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this 3 bean salad recipe is even better when made in advance. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least a few hours, or even overnight, allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.

How long does 3 bean salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade 3 bean salad will generally last for 3-5 days. Keep in mind, the dressing might get a bit thinner over time as the veggies release moisture, but the flavour should still be delicious. Give it a taste and a good stir before serving, and always discard if it smells off.

I don't like one of the beans. Can I substitute it in this 3 bean salad?

Of course! The beauty of this 3 bean salad recipe is that it's super adaptable. Feel free to swap out any of the beans for your favorites – chickpeas, black beans, or even edamame would work well. Just make sure you use roughly the same amount to keep the ratios right. It's your salad, so own it!

What's the best way to keep my 3 bean salad from getting watery?

To prevent a watery 3 bean salad, be sure to drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly before adding them. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel. Also, if you're making it ahead, consider adding the dressing closer to serving time. A salad spinner can also help remove excess water from your chopped veggies before adding them to the salad.

Can I add other vegetables to this classic 3 bean salad recipe?

You bet your bottom dollar you can! While the recipe focuses on beans and a few key veggies, feel free to add other crunchy elements to your 3 bean salad recipe. Diced carrots, celery, or even some sweet corn kernels can add extra texture and flavour. Just be mindful of keeping the dressing-to-salad ratio balanced.

Is 3 bean salad healthy?

This 3 bean salad can be a relatively healthy side dish as it is full of fiber and protein from the beans. To keep it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing and consider using olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Also, adding more vegetables like celery can make the dish even more nutritious. Be mindful of portion sizes as well.