If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, refreshing, and truly versatile salad, the Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe is your new best friend. This salad is a delightful combination of tender green and wax beans, hearty red beans, zesty red onion, and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette bursting with red wine vinegar and a touch of honey’s natural sweetness. Fresh herbs add the perfect pop of color and flavor, making it a refreshing side or a light main that’s as colorful as it is crisp. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, looking for an easy weeknight dish, or wanting a healthy addition to your meal, this recipe shines with its simplicity and bold character.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create the most unforgettable flavors. Each component in this salad plays an essential role, bringing a unique texture, zest, or freshness that makes this dish extraordinary.
- Cut green and wax bean blend (29 oz., 2 cans, drained): These provide a crisp, firm bite and vibrant green and yellow colors for visual appeal.
- Red beans (14.5 oz., 1 can, rinsed & drained): Adds a rich, earthy flavor and heartiness to balance the lighter beans.
- Red onion (½ small, finely chopped): Delivers a gentle pungency and crunchy texture that wakes up the palate.
- Red wine vinegar (3 tbsp): The star of the vinaigrette, offering a bright and tangy punch.
- White vinegar (3 tbsp): Enhances the acidity and lends a crisp clean flavor to the dressing.
- Fresh orange zest (½ tsp): Adds subtle citrus notes that elevate the overall brightness.
- Canola oil (3 tbsp): Brings smooth richness, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (3 tbsp): Balances the vinegars’ acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Offers natural sweetness and depth to the vinaigrette.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings herbaceous freshness and a lively green touch.
How to Make Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Beans and Onion
Begin by placing the drained green and wax bean blend, along with the rinsed and drained red beans, into a medium-sized bowl. Then add the finely chopped red onion. This mix will create your base that’s full of beautiful color and diverse textures that keep every bite interesting.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, white vinegar, fresh orange zest, canola oil, granulated sugar, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the vinaigrette becomes smooth and glossy — this is the magical dressing that ties everything together.
Step 3: Combine Dressing with Beans and Herbs
Pour the vinaigrette over the bean and onion mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. Finish off by folding in the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Stir until every bean is lightly coated with the vinaigrette and the herbs are evenly distributed, delivering an herbaceous pop in each forkful.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Let Flavors Marry
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This resting period allows the beans to absorb the tangy, sweet dressing and harmonize with the fresh herbs, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To bring extra flair to your Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe, sprinkle additional fresh herbs like dill or basil on top just before serving. A few thin slices of radish or a dusting of cracked black pepper can also brighten the presentation and add subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish, as its acidity and freshness perfectly cut through richer, smoky flavors. Alternatively, it makes a delicious companion for creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, providing a vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in colorful glass bowls or on rustic wooden platters for a stunning display at gatherings. You can also layer it in mason jars for picnics or meal prep to create a portable, layered salad that stays crisp and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen as it sits. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the fresh herbs and vinaigrette, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of beans and herbs tends to change after thawing, and the dressing flavors may dull. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature out of the fridge for about 20 minutes, stirring gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh green and wax beans will add extra crunch and a crisp flavor. Simply blanch the beans until tender-crisp, cool them in ice water, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
What fresh herbs work best in this salad?
Cilantro and parsley are fantastic choices for this salad, but you can also experiment with fresh basil, dill, or chives to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
How long can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
The salad tastes best when made a few hours to one day in advance, allowing the vinaigrette to marinate the beans and infuse the herbs fully. Beyond three days, the texture and brightness may deteriorate.
Can I adjust the sweetness in the vinaigrette?
Yes! The combination of honey and granulated sugar provides balance, but feel free to reduce or increase these to match your preferred sweetness level. Just adjust evenly to keep the dressing harmonious.
Is this salad suitable for special diets?
This Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. It’s also adaptable for vegan diets by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe — it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. It’s perfect for busy days, crowd-pleasing gatherings, or anytime you want a dish that feels healthy yet indulgent. Trust me, once you make it, this salad will quickly become a favorite repeat in your kitchen. So grab those beans, whisk up that vinaigrette, and enjoy the bright flavors that only fresh herbs can bring!
Print
Three Bean Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Three Bean Salad featuring a blend of green and wax beans, red beans, and a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette with fresh orange zest and herbs. Perfect as a light side dish for picnics, barbecues, or nutritious everyday meals.
Ingredients
Beans
- 29 oz. Cut Green and Wax Bean Blend, drained (2 cans)
- 14.5 oz. red beans, rinsed and drained (1 can)
Vegetables
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp fresh orange zest
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the cut green and wax bean blend, red beans, finely chopped red onion, red wine vinegar, white vinegar, fresh orange zest, canola oil, granulated sugar, honey, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley in a medium bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Store: Transfer the mixed salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. Allow the salad to chill to enhance the flavors before serving. Store in the fridge and consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- This salad improves in flavor after resting overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the beans to soak in the dressing.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley based on preference or availability.
- For a vegan alternative, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Drain beans well to avoid excess liquid diluting the dressing.
- Adjust sugar and honey amounts according to desired sweetness.
