Savory Sweet Bean Salad
Delight your taste buds with this Savory Sweet Bean Salad, a vibrant and flavorful dip that's perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Unlike traditional Texas caviar, this version is gently sweetened with sugar, balancing the savory freshness of finely chopped onions and bell peppers. This recipe has been cherished by friends and family alike, making it a staple at potlucks and parties. Serve it with crunchy Fritos 'scoops' for an irresistible experience, or pair it with tortilla chips for a classic twist. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy winter get-togethers, this bean salad stays delicious for hours without needing refrigeration, making it a must-have for any social occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (measured)
Salad oil
1/4 cup (measured)
Apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup (measured)
Yellow onion or Vidalia onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 medium (finely chopped)
Diced pimentos
1 (4 ounce) jar (drained)
Black-eyed peas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
White shoepeg corn
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Salt
2-3 dashes (optional)
Pepper
2-3 dashes (optional)
Fritos corn chips 'scoops'
1 bag (served on the side)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and white shoepeg corn under cold water in a colander to remove excess sodium and preservatives.
2
Finely chop the yellow or Vidalia onion and green bell pepper. The finer the chop, the more evenly the flavors will blend.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed beans and corn with the diced pimentos, chopped onions, and green pepper.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, salad oil, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6
Season with optional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as preferred.
7
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
8
When ready to serve, stir the mixture gently and spoon it onto Fritos 'scoops' or your choice of tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sweet Bean Salad?
Savory Sweet Bean Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dip similar to Texas caviar but with a sweeter profile, featuring beans, corn, and fresh vegetables in a sugar-based dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this bean salad?
The main ingredients include black-eyed peas, pinto beans, white shoepeg corn, yellow onion, green bell pepper, and diced pimentos.
What kind of beans should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls specifically for canned black-eyed peas and pinto beans, both rinsed and drained.
Can I substitute the white shoepeg corn?
While white shoepeg corn provides a specific sweetness and texture, you can substitute it with regular canned yellow corn or frozen corn if necessary.
What makes this different from traditional Texas caviar?
Unlike traditional Texas caviar which is often tangier or spicier, this version is gently sweetened with a full cup of sugar to balance the savory vegetables.
Is it necessary to rinse the beans and corn?
Yes, rinsing the beans and corn under cold water is important to remove excess sodium and preservatives from the canning liquid.
What is the best way to chop the vegetables?
You should finely chop the onion and green bell pepper to ensure the flavors blend evenly throughout the salad.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A yellow onion or a sweet Vidalia onion is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a mixture of sugar, salad oil, and apple cider vinegar whisked together until well combined.
Can I use olive oil instead of salad oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil or any neutral vegetable oil as a substitute for salad oil.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
The salad should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor infusion.
How should I serve Savory Sweet Bean Salad?
It is best served as a dip with Fritos 'scoops' corn chips or traditional tortilla chips.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is an ideal potluck dish because it can stay out for hours without needing refrigeration.
Is this bean salad vegan?
Yes, the ingredients listed are plant-based, making this recipe suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free; however, ensure your choice of chips for serving is also certified gluten-free.
Can I add spice to this salad?
To add heat, you can incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients, including the beans, vegetables, dressing components, and serving chips.
What are pimentos?
Pimentos are small, sweet red peppers often found jarred and diced; they add color and mild flavor to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, making it a day in advance is recommended to allow the flavors to fully develop.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftover bean salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked fresh corn kernels, though canned shoepeg corn is the traditional choice for this recipe.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a no-cook recipe; you simply assemble the canned and chopped ingredients and let them marinate.
Is apple cider vinegar required?
Apple cider vinegar is preferred for its fruity tang, but white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to taste, though the sweet-savory balance is a hallmark of this specific recipe.
Is this salad healthy?
While it contains fiber-rich beans and vegetables, it does have a significant amount of sugar and oil in the dressing.
What size cans of beans are used?
The recipe calls for standard 15-ounce cans for the black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and corn.
Can I freeze Savory Sweet Bean Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the fresh vegetables and the dressing.
What is the purpose of the salad oil?
The oil helps emulsify the dressing and coat the beans and vegetables for a better mouthfeel.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, red bell pepper works perfectly and adds a slightly sweeter flavor and different color to the mix.
Should I serve this cold or at room temperature?
It can be served chilled directly from the fridge or at room temperature; both ways are delicious.