Vibrant Three-Bean Picnic Salad
This Vibrant Three-Bean Picnic Salad is an heirloom recipe passed down from my mom, full of delightful flavors and textures that always remind me of family gatherings and summer picnics. The medley of green beans, yellow wax beans, and kidney beans creates a colorful and nutritious dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course or stands proudly as a centerpiece. Marinating overnight allows the zesty dressing to infuse every bite with its sweet and tangy goodness, making it a must-have for potlucks, barbecues, and casual get-togethers. With its freshness and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with each serving!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Beans
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) (drained)
Yellow Wax Beans
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) (drained)
Kidney Beans
2 cans (15 1/4 ounces each) (drained and rinsed)
Onion
1 medium (cut into thin rings)
Green Bell Pepper
1 large (seeded and cut into rings)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 1/2 cups (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 cups (none)
Granulated Sugar
2 1/4 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing and draining all the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, yellow wax beans, and kidney beans with the sliced onion and bell pepper. Toss gently until the vegetables and beans are evenly mixed.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and ground pepper until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
4
Slowly incorporate the vegetable oil into the vinegar mixture while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with the marinade.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Stir occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are well-marinated.
7
Before serving, give the salad one final stir, and enjoy this refreshing and vibrant dish with your friends and family!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
30g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Vibrant Three-Bean Picnic Salad?
This is an heirloom recipe passed down from the author's mom, often served at family gatherings and summer picnics.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The salad features a medley of green beans, yellow wax beans, and kidney beans.
How should the canned beans be prepared?
All canned beans should be thoroughly rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium and preserve freshness.
How many cans of green beans are required?
The recipe calls for three 14.5-ounce cans of green beans.
How many cans of yellow wax beans are needed?
You will need three 14.5-ounce cans of yellow wax beans.
What is the quantity of kidney beans used?
The recipe requires two 15.25-ounce cans of kidney beans.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be cut into thin rings.
How is the green bell pepper sliced for this salad?
One large green bell pepper should be seeded and cut into rings.
What are the main components of the salad dressing?
The dressing is a mixture of apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, salt, and ground pepper.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the marinade?
Apple cider vinegar is used to provide a zesty, sweet, and tangy flavor.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
It should be refrigerated for at least 6 hours, though marinating it overnight is preferred for better flavor infusion.
Do I need to stir the salad while it is in the refrigerator?
Yes, you should stir it occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well-marinated.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 225 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
The salad contains 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad provide any protein?
Yes, it provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in the Three-Bean Picnic Salad?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, its ability to be made ahead and its refreshing nature make it a perfect potluck dish.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Start by rinsing and draining all the canned beans thoroughly.
How should the dressing be combined with the beans?
Pour the whisked dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
What should be done just before serving?
Give the salad one final stir to redistribute the marinade before serving.
How should the salad be stored during marination?
Store it in an airtight container or a bowl covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil.
Is salt and pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad offers a delightful mix of textures from the soft beans and the crisp onion and pepper rings.
Can this salad stand as a main course?
While it pairs well with any main course, it can also stand proudly as a nutritious centerpiece.
What makes the dressing smooth?
Whisking the oil slowly into the vinegar and sugar mixture creates a smooth, emulsified dressing.
Is this a cold or hot salad?
This is a cold salad, served chilled after refrigeration.