Calico Marinated Salad
A vibrant marinated salad featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy sweet dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light summer meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 can green beans, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 can LeSueur peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 small can Shoe Peg corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped pimentos ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, oil, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, add drained and chopped green beans, drained peas, shoe peg corn, chopped pimentos, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and let the salad set overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the salad. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup. Feel free to swap in different vegetables, such as diced cucumbers or bell peppers, based on your preferences. This salad is also great for meal prep, as it keeps well for several days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a hearty sandwich. For a complete meal, combine it with some protein like rotisserie chicken or serve alongside Ruffled Potato Chip Cookies for a delightful contrast in textures. It's a colorful addition to any summer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Calico Marinated Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier over time. Avoid reheating, as it's best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, for a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Marinated Salad contains roughly 619 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1860mg per serving (81% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, Calico Marinated Salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it's recommended to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator, as this allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Just be sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What can I substitute for the green beans?
If you don't have green beans, you can use other canned or frozen vegetables like chopped broccoli or even diced bell peppers for crunch. Just ensure they're well-drained to maintain the salad's texture. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your favorite veggies.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is entirely suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. The dressing is made from simple pantry staples, making it a great option for plant-based eaters. You can also explore variations by adding chickpeas or other legumes for extra protein.
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).