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Handwritten recipe for Overnight Vegetable Salad
Overnight Vegetable Salad is a cherished vintage recipe that became popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens. Designed for convenience and flavor, it combines canned and fresh vegetables with a tangy-sweet dressing that marinates overnight to intensify its vibrant taste. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. The recipe’s simplicity and long refrigerator shelf-life make it a beloved staple in many homes, especially for those cooking for smaller households or prepping meals ahead of time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 173 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz tiny green peas ( drained)
  • 16 oz French-style green beans (drained)
  • 11 oz shoepeg white corn (drained)
  • 1 medium onion (medium, finely chopped)
  • ¾ cup celery (finely chopped )
  • 2 tbsp pimientos (chopped )

Dressing:

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup white wine vinegar (or regular white vinegar)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Vegetables

  • In a large bowl, mix the peas, green beans, corn, onion, celery, and pimientos.

Step 2: Prepare Dressing

  • In a saucepan, combine sugar, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Assemble Salad

  • Pour the hot dressing over the vegetable mixture.
  • Toss gently to coat all vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Refrigerate

  • Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Tips

  • Substitute red bell peppers for pimientos if unavailable.
  • Add diced green bell pepper or chopped parsley for color and freshness.
  • Use apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruity twist.
  • Keeps for days in a covered container in the fridge—perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 121mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 357IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword make-ahead, meal prep, picnic
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