Hot Three Bean Salad
A warm, savory three-bean salad with crispy bacon, tangy vinegar sauce, and tender vegetables, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Microwave the bacon on High in a 2-quart casserole until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the casserole.
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and vinegar in the casserole.
- Microwave the mixture on High for 3 to 4 minutes until bubbling and thickened.
- Add the drained kidney, wax, and green beans, along with the sliced onion, to the casserole.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes, covered, stirring after 3 minutes.
- Let the salad stand covered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir into the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if desired. If you prefer a thicker dressing, increase the cornstarch slightly. Adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños can enhance the flavor and add some heat. This dish is reminiscent of the Trappers Pepper Bean Special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Three Bean Salad warm or at room temperature as a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving it with a side of the Hot Romaine Potato Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of vinegar or some olive oil to refresh the flavors before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Three Bean Salad contains roughly 395 calories, with 14g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2208mg per serving (96% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
If you want a milder flavor, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes for the vinegar. Both will add acidity while giving a different flavor profile to the salad.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include diced bell peppers, sweet corn, or even chopped carrots for added color and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add denser vegetables.
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).