Chilled Vegetable Salad
A refreshing chilled vegetable salad combining crunchy green beans, peas, corn, and colorful vegetables, dressed with a tangy sugar-vinegar mixture—perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can French-style green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can LeSueur peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 can Shoe Peg corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 jar chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Put the drained green beans, peas, and corn in a bowl with a cover.
- Add chopped pimento, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and chopped green onions.
- Boil sugar, vinegar, salad oil, water, salt, and pepper; then chill the mixture.
- After the dressing is chilled, pour it over the vegetables and chill together for at least 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the salad. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the salad oil with a lighter dressing or a mix of yogurt and Dijon Salad Dressing. You can also use frozen vegetables instead of canned for a fresher taste, just ensure they are thawed and drained well before mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chilled Vegetable Salad as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with Fried Venison Steak or can be enjoyed alongside sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider adding some protein, such as chickpeas or diced chicken, to enhance the nutritional value.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the salad even more delicious. Avoid reheating the salad, as it is best enjoyed cold. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Vegetable Salad contains roughly 261 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1408mg per serving (61% 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 vegetables instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used for a crisper texture and vibrant flavor. Just ensure they are cooked until tender-crisp, then cooled and drained before mixing.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chill the salad for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For optimal taste, prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a gathering?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors develop beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics.
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).