Description
A vibrant and refreshing Three Bean Salad featuring garbanzo, kidney, and cannellini beans combined with colorful vegetables, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a sweet honey vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish that improves in flavor after marinating.
Ingredients
Sweet Honey Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Three Bean Salad:
- 15 oz (425 g) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz (425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz (425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup red onion (130 g), diced finely
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (175 g) orange bell pepper, diced finely
- 1/2 cup (50 g) kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup (80 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp (6 g) parsley, minced
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Sweet Honey Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the garbanzo beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced orange bell pepper, halved kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and minced parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Season and Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared honey vinaigrette over the bean and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the three bean salad immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and refrigerate it to serve later. The flavors deepen and improve after marinating for several hours. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- This salad can be served as a light lunch, picnic dish, or a side for grilled meats or fish.
- Make sure to rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- To keep feta cheese firm, crumble it just before serving.
