Scandanavian Bean Salad
A vibrant Scandinavian Bean Salad featuring colorful vegetables and a simple dressing, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green peas, white shoepeg corn, and green beans from their cans.
- Dice the pimento pepper or small jar of pimentos.
- Dice the bell pepper.
- Chop the white onion.
- Dice the celery.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained vegetables, diced pimento, bell pepper, onion, and celery.
- Add dressing to the mixture and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. You can substitute the white shoepeg corn with frozen corn if you prefer. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using a vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy dressings. This salad can also be enhanced with a dash of lemon juice for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This Scandinavian Bean Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Yummy French Dressing for added flavor. Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer dish or alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal. It also makes a great addition to picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the vegetables mushy, which detracts from the salad's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scandanavian Bean Salad contains roughly 43 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will provide a crunchier texture and vibrant flavor. Make sure to blanch the green beans before adding them to the salad. You may also want to adjust cooking times based on the freshness of the produce.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan, but be sure to check the dressing you use. Opt for a vegan-friendly dressing or make your own using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This will keep the dish light and flavorful.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. However, it's best to add any dressings just before serving to maintain the vegetables' crispness. If making in advance, store the salad and dressing separately 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).