Calico Salad(3-Bean)
A colorful, tangy three-bean salad combining green, wax, and kidney beans with vegetables and a sweet-sour dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans from their cans.
- Mix the drained beans well in a bowl.
- Add chopped green pepper and chopped onion to the beans.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, salad oil, vinegar, black pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill in the salad. If you want to reduce sugar, you could substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, adjusting to taste. Using fresh beans instead of canned will enhance the texture, but ensure they are cooked and cooled before adding them to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Calico Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be a hearty addition to a vegetarian meal. For a complete spread, consider offering it alongside Oven Style Caramel Corn for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Calico Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the beans, so it's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Salad(3-Bean) contains roughly 1032 calories, with 38g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), iron (85% of the Daily Value), and protein (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1021mg per serving (44% 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 use fresh green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans. Just make sure to cook them until tender and let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients. Fresh beans will provide a crunchier texture and a brighter flavor.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. Ensure that the salad oil and any additional ingredients you may choose are also vegan-friendly. You can enhance the flavor with additional spices or herbs for a more robust taste.
What can I serve with Calico Salad?
Calico Salad is versatile and pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or as part of a potluck spread. It also complements dishes like Sherried London Broil, adding a refreshing balance to richer flavors. Feel free to customize your meal with sides that match your main dish!
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).