Three Bean Salad with Feta Recipe

This refreshing three bean salad combines the flavors of kidney beans, green beans, and chickpeas, all tossed with tangy feta cheese. It’s a nutritious and colorful dish that works well as a side or a light meal.

The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients That Shine

This three bean salad is a celebration of colors and textures, featuring kidney beans, chickpeas, and fresh green beans. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dish that is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients.

Kidney beans provide a hearty base, while chickpeas add a delightful creaminess. The green beans contribute a satisfying crunch, making every bite enjoyable. Topping it all off, crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the beans.

Preparation Made Simple

Preparing this salad is a breeze, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish. Begin by blanching the green beans to retain their vibrant color and crispness. This quick cooking method ensures they remain tender yet firm.

Once the green beans are ready, combine them with the kidney beans, chickpeas, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. The addition of finely chopped red onion introduces a mild sharpness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

The Perfect Dressing

A zesty vinaigrette brings the salad together beautifully. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a dressing that is both refreshing and flavorful.

Drizzle this dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is coated. This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious blend of flavors in each serving.

Serving Suggestions

To present this vibrant salad, serve it in a clear glass bowl, allowing the colorful ingredients to shine through. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a touch of brightness and a hint of herbal flavor.

Enjoy this salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive taste experience.

Nutrition and Benefits

This three bean salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 180 calories per serving, it offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, this salad is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal, making it versatile for various occasions.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing for a picnic, or simply looking for a quick meal prep option, this three bean salad fits the bill. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. This salad is adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different beans or add other vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.

Easy Three Bean Salad with Feta

A colorful three bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese in a glass bowl.

This three bean salad features a mix of beans, fresh vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, chickpeas, blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories: 180kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g

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