Marinated Garden Salad
A vibrant marinated garden salad featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy sweet and sour dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbls. green bean juice ⓘ
- 1 can shoepeg corn, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can LeSueur peas, drained
- 1 c. chopped green pepper
- 1 can French green beans, drained (retain 1 Tbls juice) ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento ⓘ
- 1 c. celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring sugar, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and green bean juice to a boil.
- Pour the hot liquid over the prepared vegetables and pimentos.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the salad marinate for more than 24 hours. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste. If you prefer a touch of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the salad's freshness. This recipe is also adaptable to incorporate seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Marinated Garden Salad as a vibrant side dish at barbecues or potlucks, pairing perfectly with grilled meats or sandwiches. It complements dishes like Slow-Cooked Green Beans With Tomatoes beautifully. For a light lunch, consider adding some protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier. Avoid reheating the salad as it is best served cold. If you want to enjoy it later, consider serving it over a bed of greens for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Garden Salad contains roughly 828 calories, with 11g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2426mg per serving (105% 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 vegan?
Absolutely! This Marinated Garden Salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the vinegar and any additional ingredients you choose are also vegan-friendly. You can also add more veggies or fruits to enhance its flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for the sugar?
You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. If you're looking for a no-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust according to your taste preference.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or diced avocado. These ingredients will not only provide extra protein but also enhance the overall texture and flavor. Additionally, serving it over a bed of mixed greens can turn it into a wholesome meal.
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).