Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful and protein-packed salad featuring kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans tossed with red bell pepper, white onion, and blueberries for a refreshing patriotic side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed canned black beans, diced red bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup canned kidney beans, 1 cup canned cannellini beans, and 1 cup canned black beans, all drained and rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup finely chopped small white onion, and 1/2 cup fresh blueberries to the beans.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  6. Step 6: Serve cold as a refreshing, protein-rich patriotic salad perfect for summer cookouts or holiday gatherings.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Patriotic Three-Bean Salad with Red, White, and Blue Veggies vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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