Hello, my beautiful chickpeas! Today we are making a recipe that is perfect for easy lunches, picnics, and potlucks - Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad! This bean salad is simple to throw together, has some great nutrients packed in, and is even oil-free.
We all have recipes that remind us of our childhood - bean salad is one of mine. My mom used to always make her signature bean salad recipe for any potluck event we attended in the summer. This recipe is highly inspired by the one she always made!
I absolutely love the bright and fresh flavors in this salad. Perfect for the warmer summer months, but honestly can be enjoyed year-round. Let's go!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It packs in some great nutrition while also tasting delicious! This recipe has multiple nutrition-packed veggies, protein-packed beans, and an oil-free dressing that makes everything taste bright & flavorful.
- It's easy to prep ahead of time! This Vegan Three Bean Salad can be made over the weekend and enjoyed with lunch throughout the week. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect easy meal prep option.
- It is perfect for sharing at picnics & potlucks! Be sure to bring a big bowl of this to your next BBQ or Fourth of July party!
Key Ingredients
- Great northern beans, kidney beans, and black beans: our three beans of choice! These pack in lots of protein and nutrients.
- Corn, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onion: for some fresh veggies! I love the slight sweetness from the corn and the crunch from the cucumbers.
- Vegan mozzarella: this is technically optional, but I highly recommend including it. It adds some cheesy flavor and a slightly creamy texture!
- Rice vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, tahini, and seasonings: these come together to make a delicious Basil Dijon Dressing for our bean salad!
How to Make Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad
Step 1: Toss together all beans, corn, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Step 2: Separately, combine all dressing ingredients.
Steps 3-5: Combine everything. Refrigerate, if desired, and top with green onions & vegan mozzarella!
Recipe Tips
- This Three Bean Salad can be enjoyed immediately, but the flavors intensity if you let it refrigerate for a bit. For a stronger flavor, let it refrigerate for at least an hour, or even overnight!
- The best way to mix up a simple salad dressing is to add all ingredients to a small jar, add a lid, and shake! I find this easier & quicker than whisking in a small bowl.
- Because this one comes together quickly and makes a big batch, it's perfect to meal prep on Sunday! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use for lunches throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
- This can simply be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. So grab a fork and dig in!
- This makes a great side when paired with other summer favorites, like a Black Bean Burger or Grilled Portobello Mushrooms.
- I also love pairing this with tortilla chips or crackers and eating it like a dip. This is an easy way to make it a bit more filling!
- As previously mentioned, this was inspired by a recipe from my childhood that we always brought to potlucks and picnics. So bring this to your next event! It's perfect for gatherings because it makes a big batch and is easy to share.
Substitutions & Variations
- Feel free to swap out some of the beans if you'd like! I think chickpeas or pinto beans would be a great replacement for any of these. Green beans would also work if that's your thing.
- This is a great place to use up extra veggies! Don't be afraid to get adventurous and add in whatever makes you happy. I've added both red onion and carrots before and enjoyed it!
- I absolutely love the Basil Dijon Dressing used, but honestly you could pair it with any salad dressing you'd like. It would also pair well with my Oil Free Zesty Italian Dressing, or you could use a store-bought option if you need something even quicker!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe utilizes whole plant foods such as veggies and beans for the salad, and the dressing is even oil-free. It's the perfect summer recipe for anyone who prefers WFPB dishes!
This Three Bean Salad is intended to be enjoyed cold! This keeps the veggies crisp and makes it the perfect summer dish.
This varies depending on the recipe. Kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, and cannellini beans are all fairly common, but pretty much any bean is fair game. This version uses kidney beans, cannellini or great northern beans, and black beans!
Other Recipes to Pack for a Picnic
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can great northern beans OR cannellini beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup frozen corn - thawed
- 1 small cucumber - diced
- 2 tomatoes - diced
- 2 stalks green onion - chopped
- Optional: ⅓ cup vegan mozzarella - cubed
Basil Dijon Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon tahini
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt - to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all beans, corn, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- Add all dressing ingredients to a bottle or container of your choice. Shake vigorously to combine until all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
- Pour the dressing over your bean mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- If desired, allow your salad to refrigerate for an hour (or more) before serving for a deeper flavor. (However it's also great served right away!)
- Serve and top with green onion and cubes of vegan mozzarella (if using).
Nutrition
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your bean-salad-making ways.
Stay joyfully balanced!
David Tower says
Looks sooo good. Going on the menu for this weekend for sure.
Delaney Marie says
Thank you! Enjoy! 🙂
Lisa says
Easy, delicious, and the perfect summer lunch. Hubby and I both enjoyed this recipe.
Delaney Marie says
It is the perfect summer lunch! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Seema says
I really enjoyed having this three bean salad in my lunchbox. It was not just easy, but light and filling.
Delaney Marie says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's perfect to pack for lunches 🙂