Three-Bean Salad That Gets Better Overnight
A classic American potluck staple: three beans tossed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette with crisp onion and celery. It’s quick to assemble, keeps beautifully, and tastes even brighter after an overnight rest in the fridge.
Three-bean salad earned its place on American picnic tables because it’s practical: pantry beans, a sharp dressing, and zero last-minute stress. The key is time—an overnight chill lets the beans absorb the vinaigrette and mellows the onion’s bite. This version keeps the traditional sweet-and-tangy balance while staying crisp with celery and a little fresh parsley. Make it today, serve it tomorrow, and notice how the flavors deepen.
Total Time
4 hr 15 min
Prep Time
15 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
Beans and vegetables
- •1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- •1 (15 oz) can cannellini (white) beans, drained and rinsed
- •1 (14½–15 oz) can green beans (cut), drained well
- •1/2 cup finely diced celery (about 1–2 ribs)
- •1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- •1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for freshness)
Sweet-tangy vinaigrette
- •1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- •1/4 cup neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, or light olive oil)
- •3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- •1 tsp Dijon mustard
- •1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- •1/4 tsp celery seed (optional but classic)
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, celery, red onion, and parsley (if using).
- 2
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, oil, sugar, Dijon, salt, pepper, and celery seed until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks unified.
- 3
Pour the dressing over the beans and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the bowl so everything gets coated.
- 4
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Toss once or twice as it chills to redistribute the dressing.
- 5
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning (a pinch more salt, a little extra vinegar for tang, or a touch more sugar for the classic sweet balance). Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.