Doris' Bean Salad
Doris' Bean Salad offers a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables and sweet-tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light, refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and mix the green beans, La Choy mixed vegetables, chopped celery, chopped carrots, and chopped onion.
- Combine sugar, cider vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and marinate for several hours.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding some diced bell peppers or a handful of frozen peas. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Feel free to swap the vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier option. For a twist, try adding some spices like garlic powder or cumin to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bean salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches like those from Beth'S Poor Boys. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or alongside a slice of bread. Garnish with extra slivered almonds for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. If you find it too dry after refrigeration, add a splash of vinegar or oil before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so no need to heat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doris' Bean Salad contains roughly 502 calories, with 8g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% 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 make this bean salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you omit the optional slivered almonds. The dressing is also vegan-friendly, but ensure your vegetable oil is suitable for your dietary needs. You can explore more vegan recipes for variety.
How long should I marinate the salad?
Marinating for at least 2-4 hours is ideal, as it allows the flavors to meld together. However, you can prepare it a day in advance for even better taste. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the sugar in the dressing?
You can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. Alternatively, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia if you're looking to reduce calories. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can vary in sweetness.
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).