Garden Fresh Bean and Corn Medley Salad
This vibrant and refreshing bean and corn salad is packed with garden-fresh flavors, combining the heartiness of beans with the sweetness of corn and the juiciness of ripe tomatoes. Perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. With a zesty balsamic dressing that ties it all together, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Allow the flavors to meld together by chilling it for a few hours, and enjoy a true taste of summer.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Great Northern Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Black Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Whole Kernel Corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Tomatoes
2 large (diced)
Onion or Green Onions
1 large or 6-8 (diced)
Celery
2 stalks (chopped fine)
Fresh Parsley
approximately 1/4 cup (chopped)
Red & Yellow Pepper
to taste (diced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
2 tablespoons or more, to taste (none)
Balsamic Vinegar
1.5 tablespoons (none)
Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Combine the great northern beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, and celery in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure even distribution.
2
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder until well combined.
3
Gradually whisk in the balsamic vinegar, ensuring a smooth and consistent dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the bean and corn mixture, stirring gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5
Transfer the salad into a covered storage container and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
6
Before serving, stir the salad once more and garnish with chopped parsley and diced red and yellow peppers if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Bean and Corn Medley Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines beans, corn, and ripe tomatoes with a zesty balsamic dressing.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the salad is vegetarian as it is made entirely from plant-based ingredients like beans, corn, and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this salad?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans and one 15-ounce can of black beans.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, the instructions specify that both the Great Northern beans and the black beans should be drained and rinsed.
What type of corn is required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn, drained.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 2 large tomatoes, which should be diced for the salad.
Can I use green onions in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 1 large onion or 6 to 8 green onions, diced.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, onion powder, and balsamic vinegar.
How long does the salad need to chill?
It should be refrigerated for at least 4 to 6 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
Can I make this salad a day ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are included to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I adjust the amount of sugar?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons or more to taste.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the celery be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 stalks of celery, chopped fine.
What should I use to garnish the salad?
You can garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and diced red and yellow peppers.
Is onion powder included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder is added to the dressing mixture.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
The recipe suggests using approximately 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Should the corn be drained before adding it?
Yes, the canned corn should be drained before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What gives the salad its zesty flavor?
The zestiness comes from the balsamic dressing combined with fresh onions and peppers.
Is this salad a good choice for summer?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing summer dish perfect for light meals or barbecues.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, frozen corn can be substituted as long as it is thawed and drained.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Gradually whisk the balsamic vinegar into the oil mixture to ensure a consistent and smooth dressing.
What size are the cans for the beans and corn?
The recipe specifies 15-ounce cans for the beans and the corn.
Can I add extra peppers for more color?
Yes, the red and yellow peppers can be added to taste to enhance the look and flavor.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe involving simple mixing and whisking steps.
How should I store the salad?
Transfer the salad into a covered storage container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Should I stir the salad before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the salad once more after chilling and before garnishing.
Is this bean and corn salad nutritious?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious salad packed with garden-fresh ingredients and hearty beans.