Easy Summer Bean Salad with Canned Beans & Tangy Vinegar Dressing – Perfect for Potlucks & Meal Prep

Growing up, summer gatherings at our house were always filled with laughter, sunshine, and my auntie’s signature bean salad. She’d prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld together in the fridge. The next day, we’d gather around the table, eagerly awaiting that first bite. The combination of kidney beans, chickpeas, and green beans, all tossed in a zesty vinegar dressing, was a refreshing treat on hot days. As I got older, I realized that this simple dish was more than just a salad, it was a tradition, a symbol of family, and a reminder of the joy found in shared meals. Now, I make this salad for my own family, passing down the tradition and creating new memories. It’s a dish that brings us together, just as it did when I was a child.

Easy Summer Bean Salad with Canned Beans & Tangy Vinegar Dressing – Perfect for Potlucks & Meal Prep

This vibrant bean salad combines kidney beans, chickpeas, and green beans with a tangy vinegar-based dressing, making it a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings. It's quick to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it stores well in the fridge for up to four days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 15 oz kidney beans drained & rinsed
  • 15 oz chickpeas drained & rinsed
  • 15 oz green beans drained
  • 1/4 red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Equipment

  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the beans, diced onion, and red bell pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
  5. Stir again before serving.

Notes

Cooking Tips: Feel free to swap in white beans or black beans. Add fresh herbs for extra brightness.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for meal prep.

If you’re making this bean salad at home, a few simple kitchen tools can make prep quicker and cleanup easier. I’ve linked the ones I personally use and love below.
These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Plate Me Happy and helping me keep my recipes free and ad-light.

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