Aunt Bebe'S Bean Bowl
A vibrant, tangy bean salad featuring green, wax, and kidney beans marinated in a sweet and sour vinegar dressing, perfect for gatherings or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Marinate for 24 hours, stirring a few times during marination.
- Drain off all the dressing.
- Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh green beans instead of canned ones. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar for the regular vinegar to give a sweeter note. If you prefer a healthier version, opt for olive oil instead of salad oil. Feel free to adjust the sugar amount based on your sweetness preference, or use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Bebe's Bean Bowl is delightful served as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. Pair it with grilled meats or serve alongside crusty bread for a light meal. For a more filling option, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or over a bed of mixed greens. It also pairs beautifully with Yum Yum Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, so it may taste even better the next day. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold directly from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to bring out the flavors before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Bebe'S Bean Bowl contains roughly 807 calories, with 29g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2138mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh beans! Just make sure to blanch them first to maintain their texture and color. Fresh green and wax beans will enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition. After blanching, mix them in as you would the canned varieties.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. Ensure that the salad oil and vinegar you choose are also vegan, which most are. This makes it a great option for those looking for vegan recipes to serve at gatherings.
What can I do if I find the dish too sweet?
If you find the dish too sweet, you can balance it by adding a little more vinegar to increase acidity, which will help cut the sweetness. Alternatively, adding a pinch of salt can also help to counteract the sweetness without altering the overall flavor profile too much.
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).