This colorful, crunchy, and tangy salad is a staple for potlucks and holiday spreads. By marinating crisp celery and peppers with hearty canned vegetables in a sweet-and-sour vinaigrette, you create a side dish that stays fresh and delicious for days.
Ingredients
The Vegetable Medley
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Green beans, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Green peas, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Sweet corn, drained
- 1 small jar (2 oz) Diced pimentos (keep the oil for extra flavor)
- 2 stalks Celery, finely diced
- 1 large Green bell pepper, diced
- ½ White onion, finely diced
The Sweet & Tangy Dressing
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup White wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup Olive oil (or a light vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
Instructions
1. Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small mixing bowl or a mason jar, combine the sugar, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Whisk vigorously until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the dressing is emulsified.
2. Prep the Veggies
In a large, non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic works best for marinating), combine the drained green beans, peas, and corn. Fold in the pimentos, diced celery, green pepper, and white onion.
3. Marinate
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
4. Chill and Mingle
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you can, give the salad a quick stir after a few hours to redistribute the dressing from the bottom of the bowl.
5. Serve
Give it one final toss before serving chilled. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork chops, or as a bright addition to a heavy holiday plate.
Why This Works
The Secret is the Wait: While you can eat this after an hour, the magic happens overnight. The vinegar “pickles” the fresh celery and onions, softening their bite while keeping them perfectly crisp.
Variations: Feel free to swap the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang, or add a pinch of celery seed for an extra layer of savory flavor.