Description
A refreshing and hearty Three Bean Salad featuring a medley of green beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar and maple syrup dressing. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or a light main, this salad combines crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty homemade dressing for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups trimmed green beans (about 12 ounces)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas or white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley (loosely packed)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Rinse Beans: Drain and rinse the chickpeas and kidney beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any preservatives.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking, then chop into 1-inch pieces once cooled.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the blanched green beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, chopped yellow onion, and parsley. Gently toss them together to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the combined beans and vegetables. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. It can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.
- Serve and Store: Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps to retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- The salad can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor blending.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- For a vegan option, maple syrup is already suitable; no substitutions needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
