Iowa recipes: Three bean salad

I realize this salad is a bit of a departure from my usual Cookie Friday recipes. But it's definitely worth sharing.

My husband and I are trying to eat more vegetables (or "green things" as he likes to say). I saw this recipe for Three Bean Salad in a local ag newspaper and decided to give it a try just to see if my husband would like it.  According to the newspaper article, this salad is one of the most popular items offered at a family-owned diner in central Iowa.

Overall, I think this salad was excellent. My husband's only complaint was that he still isn't that fond of kidney beans. But I think the kidney beans add a lot to the texture and color. So next time, I'll probably only put half a can of kidney beans in the salad.  This would be an excellent salad to take to a potluck or picnic because it doesn't include any mayo. You can find the recipe below, if you want to give it a try. Recipes don't get much easier than this!

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Three Bean Salad

• 1 (14.5-oz.) can cut green beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can wax beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, diced
• Dash of salt and pepper
• 1 C. sugar
• 1/2 C. vinegar
• 1/4 C. vegetable oil
• 1/4 C. water

Combine all beans, onion, green pepper, salt and pepper in a bowl. Combine sugar, vinegar, oil and water, and mix with beans.