Pea And Bean Salad
A vibrant, flavorful pea and bean salad with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix hot water, sugar, vinegar, and oil in a bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients: green beans, sweet peas, celery, green pepper, onion, and pimentos.
- Stir well and let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
- Drain before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the green beans with fresh steamed ones if available. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as red or yellow bell peppers, for a color boost. If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the vinegar slightly. This salad can be made vegan by ensuring the sugar used is organic, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Serving Suggestions
This Pea and Bean Salad is a delightful side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs beautifully with Karen's Crispy Onion Rings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. For a complete meal, consider adding protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken, and serve over a bed of greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day. To refresh the salad before serving, give it a gentle stir. Avoid reheating, as this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea And Bean Salad contains roughly 514 calories, with 5g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% 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 frozen peas and beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peas and green beans. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water before mixing them into the salad. This will help retain their vibrant color and fresh taste, enhancing your dish.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
If you find the salad too sweet, reduce the sugar by half and taste before adding more. You can balance the sweetness by increasing the vinegar slightly or adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Is it necessary to let the salad sit overnight?
Yes, letting the salad sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive taste. If you're short on time, aim for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator for some flavor development.
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).