Name: Three-Bean Salad
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small red onion , halved and sliced thin; 2 garlic cloves , minced; Salt and pepper; 8 ounces green beans , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 8 ounces yellow wax beans , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans , drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Why This Recipe Works

Using crisp, fresh green and yellow beans for our Three-Bean Salad considerably brightened this salad. We stuck with canned kidney beans to avoid the need to soak and simmer dried beans for hours. Raw onion and garlic were a bit harsh for this recipe. Instead, we tossed them into the saucepan as we heated the dressing to dissolve the sugar. The heat tamed the garlic, and the vinegar pickled the onions.

Before You Begin

Spectrum Naturals red wine vinegar is the test kitchen's taste-test winner. This salad improves if you have time to refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld. A garlic press makes quick work of mincing the cloves.

Instructions

MAKE DRESSING Bring vinegar, sugar, oil, onion, garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to boil in small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sugar dissolves and onion softens, about 5 minutes. (Dressing can be cooled and stored in an airtight container for 3 days.)

COOK BEANS Fill large bowl with ice water. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt, green beans, and wax beans and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Drain beans in colander and immediately transfer to ice water to cool, about 2 minutes. Drain again and dry thoroughly with paper towels. (Beans can be refrigerated in zipper-lock bag for 24 hours.)

MIX SALAD Combine cooled beans, kidney beans, dressing, and parsley in large bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve. (Salad can be refrigerated in airtight container for 2 days.)