Festive Bean Medley Salsa
This vibrant and festive bean medley features a colorful mix of beans, corn, and vegetables, creating a visual delight and a flavorful sensation perfect for any occasion. Originally concocted for a surprise family gathering, this salsa brings together tangy and sweet flavors with a hint of spice, making it an irresistible addition to holiday feasts, picnics, or any gathering. The flavors meld beautifully during a 24-hour marinating process, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last. Even those who typically shy away from beans or vinegar-based dressings will find themselves reaching for more. Easily adaptable, you can add cilantro or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup
canola oil
1/2 cup
cider vinegar
1/2 cup
sugar
1/2 cup
pinto beans
1 can (14 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
black-eyed beans
1 can (14 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
white shoepeg corn
1 can (11 ounces) (drained)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
red onion
1 (chopped)
scallions
3 to 6 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dressing. Combine the olive oil, canola oil, cider vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow the dressing to cool to room temperature.
2
In a large bowl, combine the pinto beans, black-eyed beans, white shoepeg corn, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and sliced scallions.
3
Once the dressing has cooled, pour it over the bean mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Cover the bowl and allow the salsa to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Stir or gently shake the covered bowl occasionally to redistribute the dressing.
5
Before serving, drain any excess liquid from the salsa. Transfer the salsa to a serving dish.
6
Serve with tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer, or enjoy as a vibrant side dish. Leftovers taste even better as the flavors continue to develop.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Bean Medley Salsa?
It is a vibrant and colorful mix of pinto beans, black-eyed beans, white shoepeg corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy and sweet boiled dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What types of beans are used in this salsa?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of pinto beans and one 14-ounce can of black-eyed beans.
How do I prepare the beans for the medley?
The pinto beans and black-eyed beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the mixture.
What kind of corn is used?
The recipe specifically uses one 11-ounce can of white shoepeg corn, which should be drained.
What is in the dressing for the Festive Bean Medley Salsa?
The dressing consists of a mixture of olive oil, canola oil, cider vinegar, and sugar.
Do I need to cook the dressing?
Yes, you should combine the oils, vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan and bring them to a boil while stirring occasionally.
Should I pour the hot dressing directly onto the beans?
No, you should remove the dressing from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the bean mixture.
What fresh vegetables are included in this salsa?
The salsa includes chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and 3 to 6 thinly sliced scallions.
How long does the salsa need to marinate?
The salsa should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I stir the salsa while it is marinating?
Yes, you should stir or gently shake the covered bowl occasionally during the 24-hour marinating process to redistribute the dressing.
Do I serve the salsa with the liquid?
No, you should drain any excess liquid from the salsa before transferring it to a dish for serving.
What is the best way to serve this bean medley?
It is ideally served as an appetizer with tortilla chips or enjoyed as a vibrant side dish.
Can I make this salsa spicy?
Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe by adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Is cilantro a good addition to this recipe?
Yes, cilantro is a recommended addition if you want to enhance the flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What makes this salsa 'festive'?
The mix of colorful beans, red peppers, and green scallions creates a visual delight perfect for holiday feasts and gatherings.
Can I use different oils for the dressing?
The recipe specifies a half cup each of olive oil and canola oil for the best flavor balance.
How many scallions should I use?
You can use between 3 to 6 scallions, depending on your preference for onion flavor.
Is the dressing tangy or sweet?
The dressing is both tangy and sweet, thanks to the combination of cider vinegar and sugar.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers taste even better as the flavors continue to develop over time when stored in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy to make' recipe involving simple chopping, boiling, and mixing.
Can people who dislike vinegar enjoy this?
The recipe description notes that even those who typically shy away from vinegar-based dressings find themselves reaching for more.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Cider vinegar is used in this recipe to provide its signature tangy flavor.
Is the red onion chopped or sliced?
The red onion should be chopped for this salsa.
Can I use white sugar?
The recipe calls for a half cup of sugar, and standard granulated sugar is typically used for the boiling process.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this Festive Bean Medley Salsa.
Should I use a specific type of bowl for marinating?
A large bowl with a cover is recommended so you can easily stir or shake the ingredients during the marinating period.
Is this salsa a good party dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'party dish' and 'family favorite' because it serves a large group and appeals to many tastes.
Why is white shoepeg corn used?
White shoepeg corn is used for its small, sweet kernels which complement the texture of the beans and other vegetables.