Chinese Marinated Vegetable Salad
A vibrant Chinese-inspired vegetable salad featuring crunchy beans, peas, and water chestnuts, all marinated in a tangy vinegar-sugar mixture. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for gatherings, it offers a refreshing blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetarians and those seeking a crisp, flavorful salad.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups vinegar
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 17 ounces can peas, drained ⓘ
- 15 1/2 ounces can French green beans, drained
- 16 ounces can bean sprouts, drained
- 10 ounces can white Shoe Peg corn, drained ⓘ
- 15 ounces can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 4 ounces can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 ounces jar chopped pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1 small cauliflower, broken into flowerets
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 purple onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Blend well until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, French green beans, bean sprouts, white Shoe Peg corn, sliced water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, chopped pimento, cauliflower flowerets, chopped green pepper, and sliced purple onion.
- Pour the marinade over the mixed vegetables.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 days to let flavors meld.
- Drain the marinade from the vegetables before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can substitute sugar with honey or agave syrup for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. Make sure to mix the vegetables thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with Chinese Barbecued Spareribs or can be served alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast. It can also be enjoyed as a light standalone dish or as part of a larger spread featuring other Chinese recipes. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to develop over time. To serve, simply drain the excess marinade and enjoy cold. This salad is best served chilled but does not need reheating, making it a convenient side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Marinated Vegetable Salad contains roughly 128 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% 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, you can use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch them slightly to maintain their crunchiness. Fresh peas, green beans, and other vegetables can enhance the texture and flavor of the salad.
How long can I marinate the vegetables?
While two days is recommended for optimal flavor, you can marinate the vegetables for up to a week. Just be aware that the texture may soften over time. Always taste before serving to ensure it meets your preference.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This salad is vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed by anyone following plant-based diets. It's a great option for potlucks or gatherings, providing a colorful and nutritious side dish that everyone can enjoy.
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).