Marinated Scandinavian Salad
A vibrant Scandinavian-inspired salad featuring crisp green beans, sweet peas, crunchy celery, and fresh peppers, all marinated in a tangy vinegar and oil dressing with a hint of sweetness and paprika. Perfect as a chilled side dish for gatherings or picnics, offering a burst of fresh flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can French-style green beans, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can small green peas, drained ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, finely sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 oz. jar chopped pimento
- 1 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine green beans, green peas, celery, green pepper, onion, pimento, vinegar, oil, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
- Chill for 24 hours to several days.
- Drain before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the salad with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you're short on time, swap the canned vegetables for frozen ones that can be quickly thawed. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute. For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Marinated Scandinavian Salad as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs well with dishes like Spiced Cantaloupe for a sweet contrast or even with Vegan recipes for a lighter meal option. Garnish with fresh herbs or serve on a bed of lettuce for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may suffer. To enjoy the salad cold, simply serve straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Scandinavian Salad contains roughly 538 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to blanch them briefly to maintain a crispy texture. Fresh green beans, peas, and bell peppers will work wonderfully in this salad, providing a vibrant and crunchy alternative.
How can I make this salad less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar in the recipe. Start by using half of the suggested amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference. You can also add more vinegar to balance the flavors and enhance the tanginess.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors develop over time. Just be sure to keep it in a sealed container, and it can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
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).