40 Mile Bean Salad
A vibrant bean salad with hearty beans, sweet corn, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for gatherings or light summer meals, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans with ham ⓘ
- 1 can sweet corn with red and green peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, lima beans with ham, and drained sweet corn with red and green peppers.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, cider vinegar, chopped parsley, crushed garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the bean mixture and toss lightly, being careful not to break apart the beans.
- Chill the salad for at least 2 hours.
- Remove and discard the garlic before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or dill in place of parsley. You can substitute black beans for red kidney beans for a different taste and texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. This salad can also benefit from a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This bean salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light, standalone lunch. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of greens for a refreshing meal. For a complete spread, consider offering it with other American recipes like burgers or hot dogs during summer gatherings, making it a perfect side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day. To reheat, gently warm the salad on the stove over low heat, but be cautious not to break the beans. Alternatively, serve it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 40 Mile Bean Salad contains roughly 132 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is quite adaptable. You can simply omit the lima beans with ham or substitute them with a vegan-friendly bean option. The vinaigrette is already vegan, so it will work perfectly with your modifications.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The 40 Mile Bean Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to consume it within the first 24-48 hours.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It works well as a side for grilled meats, burgers, or even as a topping for tacos. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing lunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).