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4 Bean Salad

You will love the burst of flavors in our 4 Bean Salad. Crisp veggies mingle with tangy vinegar and sweet sugar for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Main image for 4 Bean Salad

Four Bean Salad is a bowl of classic goodness. It is one of those great recipes that is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, tastes great and makes you feel great too!

It is so quick and easy that you can make it in a snap. And the best part is it tastes better when you make it the night before, leaving you more time to do other things.

The tangy-sweet dressing covers the beans and veggies in delicious flavors that sink in the longer it sits.

And it’s good for you too! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this is a dish with lots of beans and lots of vitamins too.

This classic four bean salad is one of my favorite summer salads. Loved by all ages, it is a go-to dish for a potluck meal or any gatherings or parties.

All ingredients laid out on counter, ready to assemble

What is 4 Bean Salad?

Classic Bean Salad is a classic bean salad made with a mix of beans, typically green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans, mixed with crunchy vegetables and dressed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It is a perfect side dish when you need a fast and nutritious salad.

green beans, wax beans, red kidney beans, garbanzo beans, onion and bell pepper in a bowl, unmixed

What ingredients are in 4 Bean Salad?

  • Cut Green Beans: Adds a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
  • Cut Wax Beans: Brings a subtle sweetness to the salad.
  • Dark Red Kidney Beans: Offers a hearty, earthy taste and creamy texture.
  • Garbanzo Beans: Provides a nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the 4 bean mix salad.
  • Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the healthy salad.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Imparts a crunchy texture and mild, refreshing taste; can substitute red peppers to add more sweetness.
  • White Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds sweetness to the dressing.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Infuses a tangy kick and enhances flavors in this easy bean salad.
  • Vegetable Oil: adds a smoothness to the dressing; can use olive oil if you prefer the flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the salad.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Pro Tip: Don’t have exactly the right variety of beans? That’s okay! Try using black beans or cannellini beans instead of kidney or butter beans or pinto beans instead of chick peas. You can also use fresh green beans instead of canned beans if you want to cook and cut them before using in the salad.

Bean salad tossed without dressing

How to Make 4 Bean Salad:

  1. Drain beans and chop vegetables, then mix together in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare the dressing by combining sugar, vinegar, and oil in a small bowl or mason jar.
  3. Pour dressing over the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
  4. Chill overnight for flavors to meld.
  5. Toss before serving for optimal taste.

Pro Tip: Make sure the beans are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Dressing made for bean salad but not added to beans

Can You Make 4 Bean Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, this Bean Salad recipe tastes even better when made ahead of time. Simply prepare the salad, chill it overnight, and toss again before serving for maximum flavor.

I like to store it in a regular tupperware container, then move it to a nicer serving dish when I am ready to serve it. 

Pro Tip: If you are planning to serve this outside on a hot summer day, freeze a tray of ice the same size as your serving dish. Then set the serving dish over the tray of ice to keep this chilled outside while you are serving.

dressing poured over salad and being tossed

How to Store 4 Bean Salad:

Store Four Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Toss before serving each time to redistribute the salad dressing.

Can You Freeze 4 Bean Salad?

While technically you can freeze anything including this Four Bean Salad, the texture of the beans will become mushy upon thawing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for short-term consumption.

wooden spoon scooping a portion of bean salad out of bowl.

Is 4 Bean Salad Healthy?

Yes, 4 Beans Salad is healthy as it’s packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals from the beans and vegetables. However, be mindful of the sugar content in the dressing.

Is 4 Bean Salad Gluten Free?

Yes, this recipe for 4 Bean Mix Salad is gluten free! It is a great side dish to serve your friends who have a gluten-free medically restrictive diet.

zoomed in image of bean salad in bowl

What to Serve with 4 Bean Salad:

This Salad pairs well with Coffee Rubbed Pork Tenderloins, and Mexican Stuffed Chicken Breast . It adds a refreshing contrast to rich and savory dishes. 

Some of our favorite side dishes to serve with this are:

Is 4 Bean Salad Vegan?

Yes, Salad with 4 Beans is entirely vegan. It contains only plant-based ingredients. Even the salad dressing ingredients are naturally vegan!

Can dogs eat 4 Bean Salad?

No, dogs should not eat this salad. This dish contains onions which are toxic to dogs. Feed your pup plain beans and feed your human friends this delicious salad.

top view looking down of four bean salad in a serving bowl

Whether you need tasty options for a low calorie diet or are just looking for more cold salads, this 4 bean salad is a great way to serve a tasty salad any time of year.

Yield: 8 Servings

4 Bean Salad

top view looking down of four bean salad in a serving bowl

Enjoy the classic goodness of 4 Bean Salad. Packed with flavors and textures that's perfect for any occasion. Healthy and tasty!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. Drain green beans, wax beans, kidney beans and garbanzo beans, pepper and onion.  Mix well.
  2. In a small bowl combine sugar, vinegar and  vegetable oil. Mix well.
  3. Pour over vegetables. Add black pepper and salt. Mix well.
  4. Chill overnight and toss again before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 268mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 5g

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Tisha

Wednesday 15th of May 2024

It's not only healthy but also incredibly tasty, with a mix of beans that provide a satisfying bit!

Catalina

Wednesday 15th of May 2024

Your 4 Bean Salad was the star of our weekend cookout! Such a colorful and healthy addition to the table, and so easy to put together. It was even better the next day after the flavors melded together overnight.

Sandra

Wednesday 15th of May 2024

Made this salad for the weekend! It was really good! Love all the flavors and textures!

Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

Wednesday 15th of May 2024

This recipe was a game-changer! It was colorful, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber! Making this again for a quick and healthy lunch option!

Amanda

Tuesday 14th of May 2024

My family loves this salad, the tangy flavor is incredible!

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