Four Bean Salad is a colorful, tangy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish for any meal. This salad combines a variety of beans—green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and black beans—with a zesty dressing made from vinegar, olive oil, and a hint of sweetness. The result is a protein-packed salad that is both flavorful and nutritious. Easy to make and even better when made ahead of time, this salad is ideal for meal prep or when you need a quick and satisfying dish for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Combine the Beans and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, chopped red onion, and diced red bell pepper. Toss to mix evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve chilled.
Enjoy your Four Bean Salad, a tangy and deliciously wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
