Celebration Bean Salad

My last bean recipe for your holiday festive table is a make-ahead salad that perfectly complements turkey or ham. When you prepare many different dishes for any special occasion, remember that a dish that serves 8 will actually serve 12, given the variety of foods already on the table. Resist the temptation to overcook and you won’t be stuck with an excessive number of leftovers. 

Celebration Bean Salad:

To Prepare the Salad:

1-¾ c. fresh or frozen green beans

1-¾ c. frozen peas

1-¼ c. canned and drained lima beans

1-½ c. canned and drained niblet corn

½ medium red onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely diced

½ c. diced red bell pepper

2 tbsp. chopped red pimiento, drained

Cook green beans together in lightly salted boiling water 4 min., adding frozen peas during final 2 min. Drain and mix together with lima beans and corn. Combine with onion, celery, bell pepper, and pimiento. Set aside.

To Prepare the Dressing:

1 c. granulated sugar

¾ c. apple cider vinegar

Combine sugar and cider vinegar in small pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to medium-low, simmering, covered, 3 min. Pour hot dressing over vegetables. Cover and refrigerate 1 hr. before serving, stirring occasionally. May also be made a full day in advance of your festive meal. Serves 8. 

Combine beans, peas, pimiento, red bell pepper, and more

Simmer granulated sugar and apple cider vinegar

Easy, low-fat, and utterly delicious!