Hill Of Beans Salad
A hearty, flavorful bean salad with smoky bacon, tangy vinegar dressing, and crisp vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chopped bacon in a 2-quart casserole.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon and place on towels to drain.
- Blend sugar and cornstarch with bacon drippings in the casserole.
- Stir in seasoned salt, pepper, and wine vinegar.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Add drained green beans, wax beans, red kidney beans, sliced onion, and sliced celery to the sauce, stirring well.
- Cover the casserole.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle cooked bacon on top of the salad before serving.
- Preheat the dish before serving if desired.
- Enjoy the salad; it tastes even better the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika to achieve a similar depth of flavor. You can also use fresh green beans instead of canned for a crunchier texture. If you're short on time, consider using a pre-cooked bacon product or turkey bacon as a lighter alternative. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if you prefer a tangier dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Hill Of Beans Salad pairs beautifully with Oven Meatball Stew or a hearty grilled meat for a complete meal. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks. Consider adding a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hill Of Beans Salad contains roughly 684 calories, with 14g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2534mg per serving (110% 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 other types of beans in this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the bean varieties to your preference. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would work well in this salad. Just ensure that you drain and rinse any canned beans to reduce sodium content.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This recipe is inherently gluten-free, but always check the labels on any pre-packaged ingredients, like bacon and wine vinegar, to ensure they are gluten-free. Avoid any ingredients that may contain gluten, and you'll have a safe and delicious dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even corn for extra color and nutrition. Just chop them finely to ensure they blend well with the beans and dressing.
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).