Marilyn Vegetables
A vibrant vegetable salad combining crunchy celery, green beans, peas, and pimentos, dressed with sweet and tangy marinade—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix celery, chopped pepper, green beans, peas, and pimentos together in a large bowl.
- Combine salad oil, salt, sugar, vinegar, and paprika to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and mix well.
- Marinate overnight in the refrigerator, then drain before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the salad oil with a blend of Greek yogurt and lemon juice. You can also add chopped herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. This dish can also be made gluten-free by ensuring all canned vegetables are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant vegetable dish as a delightful side for grilled meats or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with David'S Jambalaya or can be enjoyed alongside crusty bread for a light meal. For a complete vegetarian option, consider serving it with quinoa or brown rice to enhance the meal's nutritional value.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, avoid reheating; instead, enjoy them cold as a refreshing salad. If you prefer to serve it warm, briefly microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marilyn Vegetables contains roughly 471 calories, with 5g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% 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 recipe ahead of time for a gathering?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop beautifully as it sits. Just be sure to drain the excess marinade before serving to keep the dish from becoming too soggy.
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).