Asian Three Bean Salad (Oil-Free Recipe)

Asian three-bean salad is a healthy, vegan recipe with fresh oranges, a simple oil-free dressing, a toss of green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Using canned beans for this bean salad recipe takes about 20 minutes from prep to table. 

A lemony orange dressing, orange segments, and sesame seeds give this bean salad recipe a subtle, sweet Asian flavor. Beans provide nutritious satisfaction. And this easy recipe makes the perfect salad for a quick lunch or last-minute potluck side dish. 

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This is an easy salad to assemble and suitable for any time of year. 
• Simple ingredients with plenty of modifications.  
• A healthy, high-fiber, protein-packed salad with no added oil. 
• Use any types of beans you like (or have on hand). Use different varieties of beans beyond three. 

Ingredients, Notes, and Substitutions

Cannellini beans. There are four types of white beans, of which cannellini are one. I like them because they are larger than navy beans or Great Northern beans. Baby lima beans, the fourth, are the largest. Any of the three work as a substitute. 

Red kidney beans. Sweet, solid, and sustaining. White kidney beans are just as tasty. 

Black beans. Given the Asian theme, adzuki beans are another option. 

Oranges. I used 4 medium oranges. 1 for the dressing and 3 for peeling and dicing. Mandarin oranges, packed in juice, are a great option I've used, too. And I've even used a tablespoon of juice from the can for the dressing. 

Lemon juice. Sharp citrus juice gives the dressing a zesty flavor. You can also use lime juice or add a different acid, like apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, white vinegar, or even a drop of red wine vinegar. 

Green onions. Also known as scallions. Chopped red onions are the best substitute. 

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

Recipe Variations

• The color variation of 3 kinds of beans allows for different textures and flavors. But if you have an absolute favorite, can't imagine a salad without chickpeas (garbanzo beans), or what you thought were kidney beans are actually pinto beans, move on and make this salad. 
• Fresh green beans or yellow wax beans are other options for this salad. You'll need to lightly steam them and let them cool to room temperature before adding them to the salad. 
• Other veggie additions include chopped bell peppers, grated carrots, or sugar snap peas. 
• Fresh herbs, like chives, parsley, or a little chopped fresh cilantro, make nice garnishes if you happen to have them. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat. Put them in a separate small bowl. 

Step 2: Use a sharp knife to cut away the peels and segments of 3 oranges. Add them to a large bowl. 

Step 3: Add drained beans and sliced green onions to the bowl. 

Step 4: Juice the remaining orange and lemon. Add the juices to a jar or small bowl with soy sauce, turmeric, and black pepper. Mix the dressing. Pour it over the salad ingredients and mix in half the sesame seeds (use the rest for garnish). 

Denise's Pro Tips

When you prep the oranges, I find it easiest to cut off the ends first, then stand the orange on the end to peel away the skin. Hold the orange in one hand or balance it on your cutting board and remove the segments from the membrane. Then, cut the segments in half or thirds. 

Serving Suggestions

As a side dish, this delicious salad has so much goodness that you only need a simple main course like baked Huli Huli tofu. Mediterranean sweet potato burgers, Tempeh burgers, or tofu burgers are a few of my favorite veggie burgers that go well with this delicious salad. 

Frequently Asked Questions