Hot Five-Bean Salad
A savory hot bean salad with crispy bacon, sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for potlucks or family dinners with bold flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings.
- Return the reserved bacon drippings to the skillet.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Blend the mixture into the drippings in the skillet.
- Stir until the mixture is boiling.
- Drain all the beans.
- Stir the drained beans into the skillet with the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Turn the bean mixture into a serving dish.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, which will reduce the fat content while still providing flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely and use olive oil for sautéing. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste, especially if you enjoy a tangier flavor. This dish can also be made in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot five-bean salad as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and complements recipes like Ham Stuffed Celery for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It's also delicious served over a bed of greens as a light main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. The beans will hold up well, but they may lose some texture if reheated multiple times.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Five-Bean Salad contains roughly 147 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% 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 beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen beans, but you'll need to cook them beforehand. Fresh beans should be boiled until tender before adding them to the skillet. This will ensure they blend well with the sauce and keep the salad's texture intact.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the crumbled bacon right before serving to maintain its crispiness. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding diced bell peppers or chopped onions for extra crunch and flavor. You can also include a pinch of garlic powder for a savory boost. For a touch of heat, try incorporating some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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).