The three bean salad is one of the easiest salads you will ever make. It uses only two fresh ingredients and can be ready to serve in minutes. Still, make it a little ahead of time so it can chill and the flavors can meld. The summer three bean salad is picnic safe for the summer and loved by most folks that will think you toiled!
Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 10-12
Ingredients:
½ large Onion
2 cans (14 oz) cut green beans
2 cans of kidney beans (light or dark or one of each)
1 can of Garbanzo beans
The Dressing:
1 bunch of Fresh Basil
2 Tbs fresh or 1 tablespoon Crumbled dry Oregano
½ cup vinegar (cider vinegar use less, Datu Puti use more)
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ c olive oil
Fresh ground Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Start by making the dressing or sauce. In a large bowl mix the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Taste. It should be too strong but balanced in flavor. Crumble in the oregano. Chop the basil finely. The basil makes this salad pop, so don’t be shy; use plenty. Dice the onion so that each little piece is cube-like. Add the basil and onion, and stir. Open and drain the green beans and garbanzos, add, and stir. Open the kidney beans, do NOT drain, add, stir. The liquid added will both temper the sharpness of the sauce but also add body. Finish with the oil and pepper.
About The Vinegar:
Different types of vinegar have their own distinct flavors; they also have their own acidity/strength. White/Cider types of vinegar tend to be the strongest, followed by balsamic and wine/rice vinegars. Datu Puti is a brand of cane vinegar from the Philippines with 5% acidity. I find it quite versatile in all my salad dressing needs as it is not too strong and accepts all flavorings you wish to use. The choice is yours with this recipe, as it will come out lovely regardless of your vinegar choice.
More Instructions:
Because you have been stirring and tasting as you progress, you might find the dressing needs some tweaking. Too tart? Add sugar. Too strong, add water. Too light, add vinegar. Remember that you can always add more but can’t take any out. So go slowly, in small amounts, until you find the balance that pleases you.
Chill for 1 hour to overnight for best flavor distribution.
Enjoy,
Mr. Fred
*** Please check out the video on Pinterest @brazemshop! ***
