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Classic 3 Bean Salad

In this post I am sharing how to make a Classic 3 Bean Salad.

Classic Three Bean Salad is a favorite at gatherings. This easy potluck side dish is made with a few varieties of beans in a tangy dressing.

The three bean salad is an easy recipe that can be made in advanced and chilled. Just give a quick stir before serving.

This tried and true dish has been around for ages and enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

  • Canned Cut Green Beans
  • Cut Wax Beans
  • Red Kidney Beans
  • 1 small Purple Onion, chopped (any onion will work)
  • Celery, finely diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 4 oz. jar Diced Pimentos, drained (optional)
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Salt & Cracked Black Pepper, according to taste

Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad

Classic 3 Bean Salad Recipe

Drain and rinse the beans and pimentos well.

In a mixing bowl, combine beans, onion, celery, bell pepper (if using) and pimentos and set aside.

 
In another bowl mix dressing together – vegetable oil, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk well. Keep whisking. It takes a couple of minutes for the dressing to mix well with the sugar.
 
Add dressing to bean mixture and stir to combine everything together.
 
Refrigerate at least two hours prior to serving.
 

Alternate Recipe Suggestion: To change things up, I will sometimes use a Zesty Italian Dressing rather than make the dressing for this salad. It’s a different taste and equally delicious.

How long will three bean salad last? Three bean salad can be made ahead of time and will last up to five days properly covered and refrigerated. 

Do you have to cook the canned beans first? You do not have to cook the canned beans. Just give them a rinse and drain well before adding them to your salad. 

 

Marinated Three Bean Salad

three bean salad
 

Classic 3 Bean Salad Recipe

4.94 from 15 votes
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Classic 3 Bean Salad

Classic old fashioned three bean salad is an easy recipe using a variety of canned beans that are lightly dressed then marinated. It is a classic for gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings: 1 Side Dish
Calories: 146kcal
Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern

Ingredients

  • 1 can Cut Green Beans
  • 1 can Cut Wax Beans
  • 1 can Red Kidney Beans
  • 1 small Purple Onion chopped (any onion will work)
  • 1 c Celery finely diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper diced (optional)
  • 1 4 oz jar Diced Pimentos drained (optional)
  • 1/3 c Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 c Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 c Sugar
  • Salt & Cracked Black Pepper according to taste

Instructions

  • Drain the beans of the canned juices and rinse then drain well.
  • Drain and rinse the diced pimentos.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine beans, onion, celery, bell pepper (if using) and pimentos and set aside.
  • In another bowl mix dressing together – vegetable oil, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
  • Keep whisking. It takes a couple of minutes for the dressing to mix well with the sugar.
  • Add the dressing mixture to the bean mixture and stir to combine everything together.
  • Refrigerate at least two hours prior to serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 75mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g

Classic 3 Bean Salad

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Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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4.94 from 15 votes (10 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




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Sunday 31st of December 2023

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Sunday 31st of December 2023

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Sunday 31st of December 2023

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Sunday 31st of December 2023

1

Amy

Tuesday 19th of November 2019

I made this salad to bring to an office potluck. It was delicious and tasted just like the three bean salad my grandma used to make. It got rave reviews! I will certainly be making it again