This Italian three bean salad is easy to make with fresh green beans, chickpeas and kidney beans then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a classic side perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks!

This flavorful side dish is so delicious that you could make a meal out of it! Other summertime favorites include white bean salad, chickpea salad and Italian bean salad.

This easy three bean salad is not only a classic American potluck dish but also popular in both Italy and the Mediterranean as the flavors, textures and colors are fresh, hearty and healthy!

It’s protein packed with three different beans including fresh green beans, kidney and garbanzo beans. Red onions, celery and bell pepper add crunch then it’s all tossed in a simple homemade dressing that is both sweet and tangy. It’s a simple salad that is so satisfying you’ll be making it all summer long!

Classic Three Bean Salad Recipe Ingredients

Three beans: I used a combination of fresh green beans, borlotti beans and garbanzos. Borlotti is common in Italy, feel free to use dark red kidney beans which is a traditional choice in a bean salad.
Veggies: Red onion, green bell pepper and celery all add a nice crunch to the soft beans.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright taste to the easy bean salad recipe.
Dressing for bean salad: Balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt and black pepper.

How to Make an italian Three Bean Salad

First, prepare green beans by blanching them in boiling water then chilling in ice water and drying on a kitchen towel. Prep other ingredients by opening canned beans, draining and rinsing in cold water. Chop red onion, green pepper, celery and parsley.

Combining the beans and spices in a silver bowl.

Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk or shake to combine.

Assemble the bean salad! Combine the beans, onion, pepper, celery and parsley in a large bowl, add the dressing and toss well to combine.

Bean Salad Tips and Variations

Fresh herbs: Instead of parsley, try green onions, dill, oregano or basil. You could even add dried herbs like Italian seasoning if you like.
Dressing: Swap the balsamic vinegar for lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar and you will have a new homemade 3 bean salad dressing.
Veggies: Instead of red onion, try white onion. Instead of green bell pepper try red bell peppers!
Chill salad: Take time to chill the 3 bean salad recipe after assembling. This gives the beans time to marinate in the dressing and soak up all the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

The sweet and savory flavors of this three bean salad make it perfect to go with any of your other BBQ favorites!

Pair it with these BBQ oven baked ribs for a picnic or with baked veggie burgers on a weeknight. When grilling, try it with Parmesan crusted beef burgers and some other summer picnic sides like potato salad or corn on the cob.

How to prepare fresh green beans for this bean salad?

Blanched fresh beans are one of the key ingredients that makes this salad the best! No room for mushy canned green beans here.

It’s easy to blanch your beans so that they are slightly soft and tender but yet still crisp. Lightly cook your beans in boiling water for two minutes then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This also helps them keep their bright green color.

What beans are best for bean salad?

I personally prefer the classic three-bean salad combination of green beans, dark red kidney beans (or borlotti beans) and chickpeas. Use any combination of beans you would like, though, such as cannellini beans, pinto beans or even some wax beans. I have even used my preserved green beans for a little extra flavor!

Do I need to rinse the canned beans?

Yes! Canned beans are packed in a thick liquid that needs to be rinsed off before they are used in this 3-bean salad. Place in a colander and rinse with cold water then proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! This three bean salad recipe actually tastes best when chilled 8-12 hours in advance. The bean salad dressing has time to marinate the beans and combine with the other flavors for the best taste!

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers of this simple three bean salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This salad actually tastes better the next day and is great to make ahead to have on hand for lunch, easy dinners and snacks! Do not freeze leftovers as they will turn mushy when thawed.

More Summer Salad Recipes

The bean salad in a white bowl with a spoon.

This Italian bean salad is so good, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Buon Appetito.