Traditional three bean salad recipes involve vinegar and often result in a salty pickled taste. While many people love this kind of three bean salad, the flavor is strong and generic. This easy twist on the traditional recipe is healthy and super tasty, but is not salty or overly vinegary. If the taste of vinegar especially doesn't appeal to you, the amount of basalmic vinegar can be cut down or all out eliminated. The mixture of herbs and beans is what drives the flavor here.
This dish is also quick and easy to make, ideal for a refreshing and light lunch on a summer day, a side dish, or to keep in the fridge for a tasty snack.
Ingredients for Italian Three Bean Salad
- 1 can dark red kidney beans
- 1 can cut green beans
- 1 can black beans
- 2 tbsp. dried Italian herb seasoning (or fresh herbs to taste)
- ¼ c. olive oil
- ¼ c. balsalmic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried onions (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 tbsp. sugar (optional)
Directions
- Rinse beans in a colander under cool to cold water one can at a time. Rinse until bubble stop forming and all the liquid from the cans are gone. Rinsing beans results in a much better flavor and also results in less bloating and gassy feelings after eating.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, cover, and chill until ready to eat. If dried onions are used, let sit for ten minutes or so to ensure they hydrate before serving. Fresh onions can also be used, but are much stronger in flavor and will likely become one of the focal flavors.
Variations on Italian Three Bean Salad
Variations on this salad can range from switching out some of the bean types or all of the bean types. Using dark red kidney beans, black beans, and green beans results in a very boldly and beautifully colored salad. The flavors of these beans also complement each other well, but almost any kind of bean can be used including garbanzo, wax, lima, pinto, or navy beans. Try color combinations that will match your décor or the occasion for an extra touch.
It is also easy to vary the spices used. An Italian herb mixture results in a nice, balanced Italian flavor, but featuring one herb is also an excellent way to go, especially if fresh herbs are used. Try chopped fresh basil or rosemary, or use specialty flavored sea salts.
Health Facts
This recipe sneaks in a lot of healthy benefits. Using olive oil as part of the dressing adds heart health poly- and monounsaturated fats. An additional bonus for heart and overall health is the high amount of fiber in the beans—great for lowering cholesterol. Keep any salt beyond the balsalmic vinegar to a minimum to keep this recipe the healthiest it can be!
Kristin Kendle - Kristin Kendle is both an editor and a writer. She currently works as an editor, and writes for Live Your Life e-zine, Demand Studios, and ...
