Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 14 ounces green beans
- 14 ounces yellow beans
- 14 ounces red kidney beans
- 14 ounces lima beans
optional
- ½ cup green pepper
thinly sliced
- ¾ cup white onion
thinly sliced
- ¾ cup celery
chopped
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
- 1
Drain all of the beans well. Combine beans, green pepper, celery and onion in a bowl.
- 2
Heat all dressing ingredients in a small saucepan until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot.
- 3
Pour the hot dressing mixture over the beans and toss to coat. Refrigerate overnight turning or stirring occasionally.
Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad
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About this Recipe
Looking for that classic, refreshing side dish that brings everyone to the table? This Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad is a timeless family favorite, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal that’s full of flavor.
What makes this bean salad truly special is its vibrant combination of up to four bean varieties—green, yellow, and red kidney beans, with the delightful option of lima beans. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sweet and tangy vinaigrette, subtly flavored with celery seeds, which expertly coats the earthy beans and crisp vegetables. This dressing creates a harmonious blend that's simply irresistible and sets it apart from other bean salads.
Prepare for a delightful medley of textures and flavors in every spoonful. You'll experience the tender bite of various beans complemented by the refreshing crunch of thinly sliced green pepper, celery, and a hint of pungent white onion. The robust dressing infuses the salad with a bright, zesty character that’s both sweet and savory, making it incredibly satisfying. This salad is surprisingly quick to assemble, requiring only a short prep and marinating time for the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
While delicious as written, this recipe is quite adaptable. Feel free to omit the lima beans for a traditional three-bean salad if preferred. For an extra pop of color or a slightly different flavor profile, you could swap the green pepper for red bell pepper, or replace white onion with a milder red onion. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the white sugar slightly in the vinaigrette to suit your taste.
This versatile Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad is an ideal companion for grilled meats, BBQ feasts, or as a vibrant addition to any buffet spread. Serve it chilled for the best refreshing experience.