Easy Veggie Salad
A vibrant, refreshing veggie salad packed with beans, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy vinegar-sugar dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, green beans, cucumber, carrots, green peppers, and radishes.
- In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, and salt until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve with a slotted spoon. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can substitute kidney beans with black beans for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar according to your preference. For a zesty kick, a squeeze of lemon juice can be a delightful addition.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Veggie Salad is excellent as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Consider serving it alongside *Friga Salad Dressing for an extra flavor boost. It can also be a refreshing side for dishes like Plum-Barbecued Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together over time, enhancing the taste. If you want to enjoy the salad cold, simply take it out of the fridge a bit before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Veggie Salad contains roughly 682 calories, with 34g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (397% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 913mg per serving (40% 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Easy Veggie Salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the vegetables. Once dressed, it is best consumed within a day for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for the green beans?
If you don't have green beans, you can substitute them with snap peas or asparagus for a similar crunch. Alternatively, blanched broccoli florets can also work well, adding a different flavor profile to the salad while still keeping it vibrant and colorful.
How can I make this salad spicy?
To add some heat to your Easy Veggie Salad, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. A splash of hot sauce can also elevate the dish. Just be sure to balance the spice with the sweetness from the sugar for a harmonious flavor.
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).