Citrus Marinated Salad
A vibrant citrus-marinated vegetable salad combining fresh green beans, peas, celery, and carrots with zesty citrus dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. cut green peas ⓘ
- 2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 2 carrots, cut into 1-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimientos ⓘ
- 2 medium sweet onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 c. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced pimiento ⓘ
- stuffed green olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all vegetables in a large glass or ceramic bowl.
- Mix orange juice, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, salad oil, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the citrus dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the sugar or use honey as a natural alternative. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, for a unique twist. Pairing this salad with grilled meats or a hearty sandwich can create a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant Citrus Marinated Salad is perfect as a light lunch or side dish at barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside easy-to-make dishes like Beef-K-Bobs or Quick Apple Tarts for dessert. The fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits. If the salad seems dry after marinating, add a splash of extra citrus juice or olive oil before serving. This salad is best served cold, so no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Citrus Marinated Salad contains roughly 390 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 frozen vegetables for this salad?
Yes, frozen green beans and peas can be used instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the salad. This can save prep time and still provide good texture and flavor.
How long should I marinate the salad?
Marinating overnight is ideal, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if you're short on time, marinating for at least 2 hours will still impart some delicious citrus flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors improve with time. Just ensure to keep it refrigerated and serve it cold for the best taste and texture.
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).