Three Bean Salad
When it comes to classic side dish salad recipes, you can’t go wrong with Three Bean Salad! With its vibrant flavors, tangy dressing, and plenty of crunch, it’s the perfect addition to your gatherings and holidays. It can also be served as a light, healthy meal!

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Why You Will Love Three Bean Salad
Ingredients Needed for this Easy 3-Bean Salad
Ingredient quantities for this easy three-bean salad recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Canned cut green beans
- Canned cut wax beans
- Canned kidney beans
- Sweet or red onion
- Green bell pepper
- Granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute)
- Salt
- Pepper
- White vinegar
- Soy sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil or light olive oil
How To Make Three Bean Salad (Quick Overview)
The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Gather and prepare the vegetable ingredients. You’ll want to:
- Drain the canned green beans
- Drain the canned wax beans
- Drain and rinse the canned kidney beans
- Dice the onion
- Dice the pepper

Add all of the vegetable ingredients to a bowl.

Prepare the dressing by mixing the remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix to combine.
Loosely cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, ideally overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serve and enjoy!
If you would like to serve this as a light meal instead of a side dish, I recommend cutting the number of servings down to 6 (or fewer).
Summer Dinner Salads 🥗
Love salads? Then you’ll love exploring more summer meal salads like these:
- Upgrade your Taco Tuesday with this taco salad. It’s quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and a fun twist on a classic dish.
- This burger salad has all the flavors you love: savory beef, tangy pickles, and crisp lettuce, all in one satisfying bowl.
- Try this healthy Turkey Taco Salad. Zesty spices and juicy turkey come together in a dish that proves eating well can still be delicious.
- Celebrate summer with this Chicken Salad with Strawberries. Juicy strawberries and tender chicken make for a refreshing, flavorful dish.






I hope you love this flavorful (and fabulous) salad recipe!
How to Store Three Bean Salad in the Refrigerator
Storing three bean salad is simple! Just transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent fridge odors. It can be refrigerated for 3-5 days, making it a great make-ahead option for meals or snacks. Before serving, give it a quick stir to mix the dressing and ensure every bite is just as tasty!
How to Store 3 Bean Salad in the Freezer
Freezing three bean salad is easy and extends its shelf life! Simply place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
More Summer Salads to Enjoy
Looking for more easy summer salads that are great as picnic foods and cookout side dishes? Try these next.
- Looking for a fresh fruit salad recipe? This sweet and refreshing dish is a must-make. It’s great for your next picnic, Easter celebration, or cookout.
- Craving Italian flavors? This caprese salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a simple yet flavorful dish.
- Want something extra? Try the zesty Italian antipasto salad, full of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for gatherings or dinner parties.
- Looking for a bold, crunchy side? This broccoli salad is packed with flavor and sure to be a beloved dish with your audience.
- Some dishes are timeless! Classic potato salad is creamy, tangy, and always a hit.
- Need a quick and easy side? Check out this macaroni salad. It’s flavorful, simple to make, and perfect for meal prep.
- Keep it light and fresh with this homemade coleslaw. Tangy and crunchy, it pairs perfectly with all your grilled favorites!







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Three Bean Salad

Ingredients
- 15-oz can cut green beans (drained)
- 15-oz can cut wax beans (drained)
- 15-oz can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium sweet or red onion (diced)
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or light olive oil
Instructions
- Combine green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to make a dressing. Pour dressing over vegetables and mix to coat.
- Cover and place the salad in the fridge to chill for at least one hour, but ideally overnight.
- Before serving, mix well.
Notes
- Depending on the brand, some canned beans may contain slightly less or slightly more than 15 oz. As long as it’s close, you’re good to go!
- If you want to serve this as a light meal, I recommend cutting the number of servings down to 6 (or fewer).
Nutrition Estimates (Per Serving)
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.

