Alice'S Original 3-Bean Salad
A vibrant, sweet-and-savory three-bean salad with crisp onions and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green beans, wax beans, and red kidney beans well.
- Rinse the kidney beans and drain again on paper towels.
- Combine the beans, onion rings, salt, pepper, and sugar in a deep bowl.
- Warm the vinegar but do not boil it.
- Stir in the olive oil into the warm vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture.
- Toss lightly to combine, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the salad before serving and surround with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, or tomato wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more colorful salad, consider adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar to 3/4 cup. Using fresh green beans instead of canned can add a delightful crunch, though you'll need to blanch them first. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigerating overnight, but the flavors will be less developed.
Serving Suggestions
This 3-bean salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Consider surrounding it with crisp greens and vibrant cherry tomatoes for a fresh presentation. For a fun twist, serve alongside Megan's Monkey Bread for a unique meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time. If you plan to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid mushiness, or serve cold for a refreshing dish. Pair it with a light protein for a complete meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alice'S Original 3-Bean Salad contains roughly 387 calories, with 2g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 925mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans and wax beans. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then cool in ice water before adding to the salad. This will give you a nice crunch and a fresher taste.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no meat or dairy. Just be sure to check that your sugar is vegan, as some brands use bone char in processing. Enjoy it as is or add more chopped veggies to enhance flavor.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad goes well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a quinoa salad. It also pairs nicely with Tiny's Slaw for a colorful and refreshing meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).