Grandma Mcmillen'S Three Bean Salad
A vibrant and crunchy three bean salad featuring fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light side dish for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green beans and yellow beans.
- Rinse off the kidney beans.
- Add the drained beans to a large bowl.
- Mix in the diced sweet onion, green pepper, red pepper, and diced celery.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate small bowl, combine salad oil and vinegar.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill in your three bean salad. You can substitute the salad oil with olive oil for a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the vinaigrette. This dish can also be made using fresh beans if you prefer a more vibrant texture. Serve it chilled for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This three bean salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect summer side dish. You can also serve it alongside sandwiches or wraps for a delightful lunch. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with quinoa or brown rice. This dish also complements other American recipes like burgers or hot dogs for a classic barbecue spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover three bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold, but you can serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Mcmillen'S Three Bean Salad contains roughly 718 calories, with 26g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2488mg per serving (108% 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, fresh beans can be used instead of canned ones for a more vibrant texture. Just make sure to blanch them first to ensure they are tender but still crisp. Keep in mind that fresh beans may require slightly longer preparation time compared to canned beans.
How long does the salad need to chill?
Chilling the three bean salad for at least 1 hour is recommended to allow the flavors to meld together. However, you can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight for even better flavor. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! This three bean salad is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the salad oil and vinegar you use are vegan-friendly. Feel free to add in other vegetables or beans based on your preference for a customized dish.
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).