Name: Garden-Fresh Three Bean Salad with Mediterranean Herb Dressing
Prep time: 3 h 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Ingredients: For the Salad: 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 1/2 cups fresh wax beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender (or 1 can, rinsed and drained); 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a refreshing crunch); For the Mediterranean Herb Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (Use the good stuff!); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey (optional, but balances the acidity); 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped)

Garden-Fresh Three Bean Salad with Mediterranean Herb Dressing

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This vibrant three-bean salad bursts with garden freshness and Mediterranean flavor. Blanched green and wax beans mingle with kidney beans, tomatoes, herbs, and a zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon, and aromatic spices. Perfectly crisp and colorful, it’s the ultimate side for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.

Author: Don Nicholas
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8 1x
Category: Salads & Dressings

Ingredients

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For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups fresh wax beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a refreshing crunch)
For the Mediterranean Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (Use the good stuff!)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, but balances the acidity)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the green and wax beans and blanch for 3 minutes until they turn bright in color but remain crisp.
3. Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. After a couple of minutes, drain well and pat dry.
4. If using dried kidney beans, drain the soaking water and cook in fresh water until tender (about 45 minutes). Drain and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a brighter flavor, add a little more lemon juice.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
2. Pour the Mediterranean dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
3. Add the chopped parsley and basil and give it one final gentle toss.

Step 4: Let It Marinate
- Cover the salad and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2-3 hours) to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. Serve chilled or at room temperature as the perfect accompaniment to cold fried chicken, grilled fish, or even a crusty baguette with fresh cheese.

Notes

For Beans: 45 minutes (if using dried kidney beans; 5 minutes if using canned)

Find it online: https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/recipe/garden-fresh-three-bean-salad-with-mediterranean-herb-dressing/