Nigerian recipes

Colorful Bean & Veggie Salad with Creamy Dressing

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Delightful Mixed Bean and Veggie Salad

This vibrant and wholesome mixed bean and veggie salad is a perfect addition to any meal or can stand alone as a light, satisfying dish. Packed with a variety of textures and flavors, it combines crisp veggies, protein-rich beans, creamy eggs, and the option of a smooth salad dressing to tie it all together. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering, a family dinner, or simply enjoying it as a healthy lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its burst of colors and nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Cabbage (shredded) 2 cups
Lettuce (chopped) 1 head
Cucumber (sliced) 1 medium-sized
Macaroni (cooked & cooled) 1 cup
Carrots (grated or sliced) 2 medium-sized
Sweetcorn (drained) 1 cup
Baked beans (drained & rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Red kidney beans (drained & rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Green peas (cooked & cooled) 1 cup
Hard-boiled eggs (sliced) 2 large
Salad cream or mayonnaise (to taste) as preferred

Allergen Information:

This salad is free from nuts, dairy (if using vegan mayo), and gluten (if using gluten-free macaroni). However, it contains eggs due to the hard-boiled eggs used. If you’re serving it to someone with egg allergies, simply omit the eggs or use a suitable alternative.

Dietary Preferences:

  • Vegetarian: This dish is entirely plant-based except for the hard-boiled eggs.
  • Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free macaroni to keep the salad suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or vegan-friendly salad cream, and omit the eggs.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Beans
    Begin by washing and prepping your vegetables. Shred the cabbage and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber and grate or thinly slice the carrots.

  2. Cook the Macaroni and Peas
    Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then allow it to cool. Similarly, cook the green peas until tender, and let them cool down as well.

  3. Layer the Salad Base
    In a large salad bowl, start by layering the shredded cabbage and chopped lettuce as the base. This provides a crunchy, fresh foundation for the other ingredients.

  4. Add the Veggies, Beans, and Macaroni
    Scatter the sliced cucumber, grated carrots, and cooked macaroni evenly over the cabbage and lettuce. Follow this by adding the sweetcorn, baked beans, red kidney beans, and green peas. Each of these ingredients adds color, flavor, and texture, making your salad both appetizing and nutritious.

  5. Top with Eggs and Dressing
    Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad for a beautiful, protein-packed finish. Finally, drizzle your preferred salad cream or mayonnaise generously over the salad, or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.

  6. Toss and Serve
    Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that the dressing coats the vegetables and beans evenly. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Advice and Tips:

  • For added flavor, consider incorporating a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can also top the salad with croutons or roasted nuts.
  • This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, if you are using lettuce, it’s best to add it last to keep it from wilting.
  • Feel free to experiment with different beans such as black beans or chickpeas to customize the salad to your liking.

Conclusion:

This delightful mixed bean and veggie salad is as satisfying as it is colorful. With a combination of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and the creaminess of eggs and dressing, it brings a refreshing and nutritious touch to any occasion. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a quick and easy side dish, this recipe will surely become a staple in your salad repertoire. Whether you keep it classic or make a few modifications to suit your dietary preferences, this salad is sure to be a hit!

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