"Michigan" Navy Bean Salad
A hearty and tangy navy bean salad featuring fresh vegetables and a flavorful vinegar-based dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the navy beans overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Cover the beans with water and simmer until tender but not overdone.
- Drain all excess water from the cooked beans.
- Add chopped celery, onions, green peppers, red peppers, garlic or oil, vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, garlic salt, paprika, Accent, and salt to the beans.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the salad overnight to let flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the navy beans overnight to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a quicker method, use canned beans; just rinse and drain them well. Instead of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a flavorful substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference, or use a sugar alternative for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This Navy Bean Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a refreshing fruit salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a slice of bread or as a filling for a wrap. Check out American recipes for more delightful ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Navy Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. To serve leftovers, you can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, or gently reheat in a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without making the beans mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Michigan" Navy Bean Salad contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 687mg per serving (30% 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?
Yes, this Navy Bean Salad is naturally vegan. Just ensure that the garlic or oil you use is plant-based. The dressing ingredients are all vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for those following a vegan diet.
How can I make the salad spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your Navy Bean Salad, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for added heat, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
What can I serve with this salad?
This Navy Bean Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a light meal, enjoy it alongside a fresh garden salad or mix it with quinoa for added texture and protein.
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).