This simple and flavorful threebean salad is a great side dish or light meal. It combines cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
23 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
3/41 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 (15ounce) can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans
1 (15ounce) can of rinsed and drained kidney beans
1 (15ounce) can of rinsed and drained chickpeas
4 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup or 120g)
1/2 medium red onion, diced (about 3/4 cup or 72g)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, sea salt, black pepper (if using), and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
2. Add the Beans and Veggies:
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, diced celery, diced red onion, and chopped parsley (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
3. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more olive oil for richness, vinegar for tang, salt for flavor, or maple syrup for sweetness.
4. Serve:
Serve the salad immediately or allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5. Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 35 days. This salad is not very freezerfriendly.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 46 servings
Tips for Success:
1. Bean Variations: Feel free to swap out the beans for others you prefer, such as black beans, pinto beans, or garbanzo beans. The salad will still be delicious!
2. Adjust the Vinegar: If you prefer a tangier salad, you can increase the amount of red wine vinegar. Conversely, reduce it slightly if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Add More Veggies: Consider adding other veggies, like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the salad’s crunch and flavor.
4. Make It Ahead: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a bit, so prepare it a few hours ahead or the night before to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Customize the Sweetness: The maple syrup adds a nice touch of sweetness, but feel free to substitute it with agave nectar, honey (if not vegan), or skip it entirely if you prefer a more savory version.
Enjoy this fresh and easy threebean salad! Perfect as a side dish or light meal. 🌱
