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A close-up of a healthy three bean salad in a white bowl, with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.

Healthy & High Protein Three Bean Salad

This vibrant and refreshing three-bean salad is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a perfect healthy side dish, light lunch, or meal prep staple. It's tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette for ultimate flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 15 oz Cannellini Beans canned, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz Kidney Beans canned, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) canned, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion finely diced
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine Salad Ingredients
  1. Drain and rinse all canned beans thoroughly under cold water using a colander. This helps remove excess sodium and improves texture. Transfer the rinsed beans to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped fresh parsley to the large mixing bowl with the beans.
Dress and Serve
  1. Pour the prepared lemon herb vinaigrette over the bean and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated.
  2. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir again before serving.

Notes

This Healthy & High Protein Three Bean Salad is excellent for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. For an extra boost of protein, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken/tofu.