Belgium Vegetables
Belgium Vegetables is a vibrant, sweet and tangy salad combining fresh vegetables with a flavorful vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish or summer appetizer, its colorful presentation and balanced flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and family meals alike.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) can French-cut green beans with pimiento ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can LeSueur peas ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can Shoe Peg corn
- 1 cup finely cut celery ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can small red beans
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, heat the sugar, dark vinegar, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour over the vegetable mixture.
- Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you could substitute honey for some of the sugar. For a crunchier texture, try adding diced cucumbers or radishes. This dish can also be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based, making it a versatile option for various diets.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or served alongside lighter fare like salads. It pairs beautifully with Carrots With Orange Sauce for a colorful and flavorful meal. Consider serving it chilled as a refreshing summer option or at picnics and potlucks for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, enhancing the dish. If you want to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be aware that the texture of the vegetables will be softer than when freshly made.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Belgium Vegetables contains roughly 142 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g 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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you'll need to cook them until tender before mixing them in. This will give you a fresher taste and a different texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
How long can I keep this dish in the fridge?
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making it great for meal prep. Just ensure it is in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best when made a day in advance, as this allows the flavors to meld brilliantly. Just make sure to refrigerate it for at least 8 hours before serving for optimal taste.
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).