Overnight Salad
Overnight Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines a medley of canned vegetables with a sweet and tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks or as a side dish, it offers a delightful crunch and bursts of flavor that suit any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (No. 2) can peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can French green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar pimentos ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix vegetables and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, oil, water, and paprika.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the salad. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the oil with Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative. You can also replace sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a healthier option. Mixing in diced avocado just before serving can add creaminess to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Lemonade or can be served alongside a hearty main like Country Ribs(Sweet And Sour). For a complete meal, consider adding a protein source such as grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy when thawed. Serve chilled and give it a gentle stir before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Salad contains roughly 389 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for canned ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before mixing to avoid excess moisture. This will give your salad a fresher taste and crunchy texture.
How long does the salad need to chill?
It's best to let the salad chill for a full 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you're short on time, even a few hours will enhance the taste significantly. Just make sure to stir before serving.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! The salad is already mostly plant-based. Simply substitute the sugar with a vegan option like agave syrup and ensure your oil is vegan-friendly. This recipe fits well within vegan recipes and is delicious for everyone.
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).