Chinese Vegetable Salad
A vibrant and crunchy Chinese Vegetable Salad featuring canned peas, French cut beans, water chestnuts, and Chinese vegetables, all tossed in a sweet and tangy vinegar-sugar dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer, it appeals to those seeking bold flavors and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the drained canned vegetables, peas, French cut beans, water chestnuts, and Chinese vegetables in a large bowl.
- Add chopped onions and chopped celery to the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled after it has marinated.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting some of the canned vegetables with fresh options like bell peppers or carrots. If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can increase the vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice. This salad can also be made vegan by ensuring the sugar used is bone char-free. Allowing the salad to marinate overnight enhances the flavors, making it a fantastic accompaniment to dishes like Sweet-N-Sour Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a warm dish like Vegetable Stir-Fry (Time: About 45 Minutes Before Serving) to balance the cold salad with something hot.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If you prefer a fresher taste, you might want to serve it cold without reheating, as the vegetables maintain their crunch better that way.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Vegetable Salad contains roughly 453 calories, with 12g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% 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?
Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables for canned ones. Just make sure to blanch them first to preserve their color and flavor. Fresh peas, green beans, and sliced water chestnuts would work well in this salad, adding a delightful crunch.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it sits, the flavors will continue to develop. However, for the best texture, consume it within the first two days, as some vegetables may become mushy over time.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is suitable for a vegan diet as it contains no meat or animal products. Just be sure to check that your sugar is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are refined using bone char. Otherwise, enjoy this colorful and nutritious dish guilt-free!
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).