Published: July 27, 2020 Modified: August 27, 2024 by Cathy Trochelman 7 Comments

3 Bean Salad

Clock icon 15 minutes

Bean Salad is an easy, delicious side dish, and this version is always a hit! Made with three types of beans, fresh veggies, and a simple homemade cumin lime vinaigrette… it’s a flavor-packed side dish that makes a delicious addition to any meal!

Close up of 3 Bean Salad in a serving bowl with  a wooden spoon

I’m always on the lookout for fun new side dishes, and when a friend told me about this black bean salad she had made, it got me thinking. Why stop at black beans when you can add more? And so I started adding… and the rest is history!

This Three Bean Salad is made with not one, not two, but THREE different types of beans, along with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, avocado, and so much more.

It’s seasoned with cumin and lime juice in a delicious homemade vinaigrette… and it’s pretty much the ideal side dish for SO many occasions.

I took it to a cookout the other day and everyone fell in love. Not only is it light and healthy and packed with amazing flavor… but it’s so vibrant and colorful, you can’t help but dive right in!

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Overhead shot of 3 Bean Salad with fresh cilantro

🥑 Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 Bean Salad ingredients on a wooden board

📋 Instructions

  1. Combine beans and vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk well.
  3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.

🌡 Storing

Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (*You may want to remove the avocado for storage and replace it with fresh avocado, as it will brown quickly.)

3 Bean Salad ingredients chopped in a glass mixing bowl

🌽 Recipe variations

  • Add 1/2 cup corn
  • Substitute Great Northern, Cannellini, Navy, or any of your favorite beans
  • Omit jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, and lime juice; substitute parsley, minced garlic, and lemon juice
  • Serve as a dip with tortilla chips
  • Add additional seasonings to the dressing (e.g. chili powder, coriander, garlic)
  • For more heat, add 2 jalapeños or any of your favorite peppers

Vinaigrette being poured over 3 Bean Salad

🥗 Related recipes

Spoon serving 3 Bean Salad

3 Bean Salad

Bean Salad is an easy, delicious side dish, and this version is always a hit! Made with three types of beans, fresh veggies, and a simple homemade cumin lime vinaigrette... it's a flavor-packed side dish that makes a delicious addition to any meal!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 183kcal
Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 jalapeño minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine beans and vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk well.
  3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 406mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g
Collage image of 3 Bean Salad

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7 Comments

  1. This was such a unique and unexpected side dish! Even my picky eaters gobbled this up! Delicious!