Supreme Garden Bean Salad
A vibrant, flavorful bean salad combining a variety of canned beans and fresh peppers, dressed with a sweet and tangy vinegar-sugar mixture, perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 can cut green beans or Italian beans ⓘ
- 2 cans medium lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can white kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can garbanzo or ceci beans ⓘ
- 1 large green or red pepper or both ⓘ
- 1 jar sliced pimentos, drained ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions or onions of your choice ⓘ
- 2 cups vinegar (white or dark)
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Drain all cans of beans.
- Mix all beans, chopped peppers, sliced pimentos, and chopped green onions in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, boil vinegar, sugar, and water together for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately pour over the bean mixture.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the bean mixture. If you want a bit of heat, chopped jalapeños can be a great addition. You can substitute some of the beans with black beans for a different texture. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped vegetables can expedite the prep process.
Serving Suggestions
This Supreme Garden Bean Salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues or picnics, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats like those found in Honeyed Pineapple Ham Loaf. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own or served alongside a fresh green salad. Consider garnishing with extra chopped onions for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. To serve, simply give it a gentle stir and enjoy it cold. If you prefer it warm, briefly heat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Supreme Garden Bean Salad contains roughly 225 calories, with 10g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 11g 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 beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use fresh beans; however, they will require cooking before mixing them into the salad. Make sure to blanch them to maintain their crispness and vibrant color, and adjust the vinegar dressing based on the added freshness.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The bean salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to improve over time, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for gatherings. Just ensure it’s in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like those in American recipes, especially during summer barbecues. It’s also a great side for dishes like Chopped Steak Surprise or can be enjoyed on its own for a healthy lunch option.
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).