Ham And Lima Bean Salad
A vibrant and hearty salad combining tender lima beans, fresh mushrooms, red onion, and savory ham or bacon. Brightened with olives, parsley, and pimiento, then dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, it offers a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for a light lunch or side dish at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup red onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon or ham ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimento ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lima beans according to the package instructions.
- Drain the cooked lima beans.
- Rinse the beans with cold water and drain again.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled lima beans, sliced mushrooms, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon or ham, chopped olives, fresh parsley, and diced pimento.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the salad. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch, but drain them well. You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option. Feel free to adjust the vinegar and oil to taste, making it more tangy or richer as per your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham And Lima Bean Salad as a hearty side dish or light main course. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside a Brunch Bake or eggs. This salad also makes a great addition to any picnic spread or potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a frying pan over low heat, adding a little olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Lima Bean Salad contains roughly 199 calories, with 10g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1397mg per serving (61% 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 lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans instead of frozen ones. Just ensure you cook them until tender, which may take a bit longer. Fresh beans will add a nice texture and flavor to the salad.
What can I substitute for olives?
If you don't like olives, you can substitute them with capers or even diced pickles for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, you can skip them altogether if you prefer a milder taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as the flavors meld together beautifully when stored. Just be mindful to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the salad's freshness.
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).