This no-cook Three Bean Salad requires no vinegar. Instead, a rich, creamy, herb dressing is tossed with beans and veggies for a fiber- and protein-rich side dish or meal prep lunch.

Three Bean Salad with Yogurt-Buttermilk Dressing - A protein packed salad that can be kept in the fridge for lunches throughout the week! | foxeslovelemons.com

If you’re looking to increase your fiber intake, beans are the easiest way to do that. While researching recipes for Three Bean Salad that I could make for a meal prep lunch, I found that most used a vinaigrette dressing.

But I was craving something more rich and substantial. Something that would coat the beans and balance their earthy flavor.

So, my recipe includes a dressing made with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise and dried herbs and spices. It’s a nice change from tradition for this cold salad that’s perfect for a picnic, cookout, or office lunch.

Why you will love this 3 Bean Salad

  • Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this salad is pure nutrient-rich goodness.
  • Endless variations allow you to tailor this salad to your taste, and what you have on hand.
  • Perfect for meal prep, this salad stores well in the refrigerator and maintains its texture and flavor for several days.

Three Bean Salad Recipe ingredients

  • chickpeas – add firm texture and a nutty flavor to the salad.
  • kidney beans – bring a rich and earthy flavor to the dish.
  • pickled green beans – the third bean, introducing a tangy flavor.
  • cherry tomatoes – infuses the salad with a burst of sweetness.
  • red onion – adds a savory flavor and crunch.
  • Greek yogurt – adds creaminess and tang to the dressing.
  • mayonnaise – enhances the richness of the dressing.
  • buttermilk – adds another layer of acid to balance the earthy flavor of the beans.
  • dried parsley and dill – lends the salad a herbaceous flavor.
  • garlic powder and paprika – adds depth of flavor to the dressing.
  • salt and peppers – seasons the salad perfectly.
Three Bean Salad with Yogurt-Buttermilk Dressing - A protein packed salad that can be kept in the fridge for lunches throughout the week! | foxeslovelemons.com

How to Make Three Bean Salad

  1. DRESSING. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.
  2. SALAD. Add all of the salad ingredients to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days before serving.

Recipe for 3 Bean Salad variations

  • SOUTHWESTERN – swap the kidney beans out for black beans, and add corn and diced red and green peppers. Swap the dill out for cilantro.
  • MEDITERRANEAN – add Kalamata olives, diced cucumber and crumbled feta cheese. Adding a bit of dried oregano is a good idea, too.
  • ITALIAN – Add sliced black olives, small mozzarella cheese balls and sun-dried tomatoes. Swap the dill out for basil.

Three Bean Salad dressing

What sets this three bean salad recipe apart from others is the creamy dressing. Most 3 bean salad recipes use a vinegar-based dressing, which is also delicious, but this one is dressed with something more substantial and creamy.

While there’s no vinegar, the tang of both the buttermilk and Greek yogurt pair nicely with the earthy beans, which the rich mayo brings everything together.

What to serve with this Recipe for Three Bean Salad

I love serving this three bean salad recipe with a grilled main course. Some of my favorites are:

How to store 3 Bean Salad Recipe leftovers

This salad can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish.

Three Bean Salad with Yogurt-Buttermilk Dressing - A protein packed salad that can be kept in the fridge for lunches throughout the week! | foxeslovelemons.com

Easy Recipe for 3 Bean Salad

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This no-cook Three Bean Salad requires no vinegar. Instead, a rich, creamy, herb dressing is tossed with beans and veggies for a fiber- and protein-rich side dish or meal prep lunch.

Ingredients

For the Yogurt-Buttermilk Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika

For the Three Bean Salad:

  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pickled green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup chopped red onion

Instructions

1. Make the Yogurt-Buttermilk Dressing: In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika.
2. Make the Three Bean Salad: Add chickpeas, kidney beans, tomatoes, pickled green beans and onion to bowl with dressing and toss until well combined. For best flavor, refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 3 days before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

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