Overnight Vegetable Salad
A vibrant overnight vegetable salad combining peas, green beans, corn, and crunchy celery, dressed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette, perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can tiny green peas, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can French-style green beans, drained ⓘ
- 11 oz. can Shoe Peg white corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped pimento (optional) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained peas, green beans, corn, finely chopped onion, celery, and chopped pimento if using.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots to the salad. If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the sugar or substitute with honey or agave syrup. This salad can also be customized by swapping in other canned vegetables like black olives or artichokes. For a vegan version, ensure the sugar is bone char-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be a hearty addition to a picnic spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of hearty bread or with a side of Pasta Salad Supreme for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as the salad sits, making it even tastier. To serve leftovers, simply give it a gentle stir; there's no need to reheat this dish as it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Vegetable Salad contains roughly 163 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
While canned vegetables provide convenience and flavor, you can use fresh vegetables if you prefer. Blanch fresh green beans and peas to retain their bright colors and crunch. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning, as fresh veggies may require additional salt or dressing.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the dressing. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing mixture to elevate the flavor profile. Adjust to your heat preference for the perfect kick!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Prepare it up to three days in advance, and it makes for a quick grab-and-go lunch option. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
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).