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Four Bean Salad

Using canned beans makes this an easy picnic perfect Summer side.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 335kcal

Ingredients

  • Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil or neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • For The Bean Salad
  • 15 1/2 ounce kidney beans canned, drained and rinsed
  • 15 1/2 ounce green beans canned, drained, cut green beans or French style.
  • 15 1/2 ounce wax beans canned, drained
  • 15 1/2 ounce lima beans canned,drained
  • 1 cup sweet onion diced, about 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup green bell pepper diced, about 1 medium bell pepper

Instructions

  • Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the oil, celery seed, sugar, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Using a whisk, blend well. Set aside.
  • Place the canned kidney beans in a colander. Rinse briefly. Add the rest of the canned beans and let them drain for a few minutes.
  • In a large bowl combine all the beans, the onion and the green pepper. Pour the dresing over the bean mixture and gently stir until blended. Let sit overnight for best flavor.

Notes

  • Lima Beans: The last time I made this I had a hard time finding Lima Beans. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) would be a good substitute here. You can also use black beans for this recipe.
  • Bell Pepper: Use any color of bell pepper, but keep in mind the traditional way to make 4 bean salad is using green bell pepper. Green bell peppers are less ripe and have a stronger almost bitter flavor. Which compliments the sweet tangy dressing.
  • Onion: I like using a sweet onion or yellow onion for this recipe. You can also use red onion for a stronger onion flavor.
Storage: This salad will keep in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 days, well sealed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 821mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 434IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg