It's nearly summertime and picnic and cookouts are ramping up across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Merritt Bates-Thomas, from Instagram's Kitchen Transition, is serving up the perfect side order for your next outdoor eating adventure. Here's how to make her delicious Three Bean Salad.

THREE BEAN SALAD

8 ounces green beans

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 medium stalk celery

1/2 medium red onion or 1 medium shallot, diced

1/4 medium bunch fresh parsley

1 (about 15-ounce) can chickpeas

1 (about 15-ounce) can kidney beans

DIRECTIONS

1) Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat.

2) Trim the stem end from 8 ounces green beans, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

3) Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes or longer if you prefer a more tender green bean.

4) Place 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

5) Pick the leaves from 1 medium celery stalk (if there are leaves) and set aside.

6) Prepare the following, adding each to the bowl: slice the celery; dice 1 medium red onion or 1 medium shallot until you have 1/2 cup; pick the leaves from 1/4 medium bunch fresh 1/2 cup; drain and rinse 1 (about 15-ounce) can chickpeas and 1 (about 15-ounce) can kidney beans; toss gently to combine. Combine all the ingredients in a serving bowl and toss gently to combine.

7) Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.

8) Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then toss and serve.

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Of course, if you're having a picnic or cookout, you need the perfect refreshing drink to go with your meal. Maybe one of these will do the trick!

What Are the Signature Drinks From Every State?

What's Cookin'? is sponsored weekly by Kight Kitchen Interiors.

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