Three Bean Salad With Sweet And Sour Dressing
A vibrant and tangy three bean salad featuring sweet apricot preserves and sour red wine vinegar, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine apricot preserves, vinegar, and celery seeds in a bowl.
- Add kidney beans, green beans, yellow beans, and sliced red onion.
- Toss well to combine.
- Adjust seasonings with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the apricot preserves. Celery seeds can be substituted with caraway seeds for a different flavor profile. This salad can also be made vegan by ensuring the apricot preserves are free from additives that contain animal products.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful bean salad chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread alongside dishes like Pepperoncini Macaroni Salad. For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of greens or quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. To refresh the salad, gently toss it again before serving, and consider adding a splash of vinegar if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Bean Salad With Sweet And Sour Dressing contains roughly 279 calories, with 15g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1777mg per serving (77% 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 kidney beans?
Yes, you can use fresh kidney beans, but ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding them to the salad. This will give you a fresher taste and a firmer texture. Just remember to soak and cook them properly as fresh beans can take longer to prepare.
How long can I keep the three bean salad in the fridge?
The three bean salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it a great make-ahead dish. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this three bean salad is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the apricot preserves used are vegan-friendly, as some brands may include non-vegan additives.
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).