Confetti bean salad

Confetti Bean Salad Recipe - Wax Beans, Celery, and Green Pepper

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Confetti bean salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. This salad is made with a mix of wax beans, celery, green pepper, onion, and pimento, all tossed in a tangy cider vinegar dressing. It is a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

History

Confetti bean salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is a variation of traditional bean salads that have been enjoyed by families for generations. The colorful mix of vegetables in this salad gives it a festive and fun appearance, hence the name "confetti" bean salad.

Ingredients

16 oz (454 g) mixed cut green & wax beans (1 can)
0.5 cup cider vinegar
1 tbsp mixed pickling spices
0.25 cup finely chopped celery
0.25 cup chopped green pepper
0.25 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped pimento
sugar substitute equivalent to 5 tsp sugar
crisp lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Drain the beans, saving the liquid. Combine this liquid with vinegar in a saucepan. Add the mixed pickling spice, either loose or in a small cheesecloth bag. Bring it to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix all the vegetables in a bowl. Remove the liquid from the heat; add the sweetener and stir until dissolved. Pour it over the vegetables and remove the spice bag or loose spices. Chill it for several hours, stirring occasionally. Drain it before serving on crisp lettuce. Food exchange per serving: 1 vegetable exchange cho: 7g; pro: 1g; fat: 0; calories: 28.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous for added protein and texture.
Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the beans well before combining them with the other vegetables to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Chill the salad for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the salad occasionally while chilling to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

- Serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for added texture and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Confetti bean salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is to simmer the vinegar and pickling spices to create a flavorful dressing for the salad. Be sure to chill the salad for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned green beans or fresh green beans instead of wax beans.

- Substitute red or yellow bell peppers for the green pepper for a different flavor.

- Use red onion instead of white onion for a milder taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Confetti bean salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve confetti bean salad in a glass bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a colorful and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Confetti bean salad pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork. It also goes well with sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover confetti bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of confetti bean salad contains approximately 28 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of confetti bean salad contains approximately 7g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Confetti bean salad is a low-fat dish, with each serving containing 0g of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of confetti bean salad contains approximately 1g of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Confetti bean salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the green pepper and pimento, and fiber from the beans and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Confetti bean salad is a low-calorie, low-fat dish that is high in fiber and vitamins. It is a healthy and nutritious side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings.

Summary

Confetti bean salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. This healthy and nutritious salad is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Enjoy this refreshing side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches for a delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun shines brightly and the birds sing merrily in the trees. I had just finished picking some fresh vegetables from my garden and was looking for a new recipe to try. As I flipped through my old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Confetti Bean Salad" written on it in my mother's elegant handwriting.

Memories flooded back to me as I remembered my mother making this salad for family gatherings when I was a child. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, the crunch of the celery, and the savory flavor of the beans all combined to create a dish that was both delicious and nutritious. I knew that I had to make it again, not only for myself but also for my grandchildren to enjoy.

I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, marveling at how simple yet flavorful the recipe seemed. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, just like my mother had done so many years ago.

The first step was to drain and rinse a can of mixed beans. As I did so, I thought back to my mother teaching me how to prepare the beans properly, ensuring that they were clean and ready to be used in the salad. Next, I diced up some colorful bell peppers, creating a rainbow of red, orange, yellow, and green. The vibrant colors reminded me of a confetti party, hence the name of the salad.

I added the diced bell peppers to the beans, along with some finely chopped celery for added crunch. In a separate bowl, I whisked together a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. I poured the vinaigrette over the bean and vegetable mixture, gently tossing everything together until well coated.

As I tasted a spoonful of the salad, I was transported back to my childhood, sitting at the family table with my parents and siblings, enjoying a meal made with love and care. The flavors were fresh and bright, the textures varied and satisfying. I knew that this recipe was a keeper, one that I would pass down to future generations just as my mother had done for me.

I served the Confetti Bean Salad at our next family gathering, watching as my grandchildren eagerly dug in, their eyes lighting up with delight at the colorful dish before them. They asked for seconds and thirds, proclaiming it to be the best salad they had ever tasted. I smiled, knowing that I had honored my mother's memory by sharing this recipe with my loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Confetti Bean Salad for family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I prepare it, I think of my mother and the joy she brought to our family through her cooking. I am grateful for the legacy of recipes she passed down to me, each one holding a special place in my heart.

As I grow older, I find comfort in the familiar routines of cooking and sharing meals with my family. The Confetti Bean Salad remains a favorite among my grandchildren, who now help me prepare it in the kitchen, just as I once did with my own mother. I am proud to carry on this tradition, knowing that the love and care I put into each dish will be cherished for years to come.

In the end, the recipe for Confetti Bean Salad is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It is a connection to my past, a reminder of the generations of strong, talented women who came before me. It is a symbol of love, family, and the power of a good meal to bring us all together. And for that, I am forever grateful.