Most summers, my sister and her husband have one blow-out bash at their house on a Saturday in July. It’s usually attended by at least 50 people and to feed everyone they barbecue beef, chicken and pork and the rest of the food is provided through a potluck. One of my favourite side dishes to make for any potluck is German Potato Salad (I will post this recipe at a later date) but my brother-in-law’s mom also makes it, and it’s really good. So, at the first summer bash I attended, I left it to his mom to provide her German Potato Salad to the hungry masses. Meanwhile, I needed an alternative, so I brought another favourite of mine, Chickpea Salad.
As guests were mingling at the potluck table and filling their plates, my sister’s friend turned to her and commented: “Who brings a chick pea salad to a party?” She smirked and replied: “My sister.”
It has now become a running joke, with her friends and mine, that their yearly bash is not really a party if there’s no chickpea salad.
Since then, I’ve modified the recipe, using mixed beans instead of just chickpeas – it’s actually tastier and has less calories – but this recipe will work with either. Enjoy.
Marvelous Mixed Bean Salad
High fiber, low calorie, vegan salad.
Ingredients
- 540 ml can Unico Bean Medley
- 1/4 cup Unico White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 carrot finely diced
- 1 stalk celery finely diced
- 1/2 medium onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic finely diced
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Open a can of Unico Bean Medley, pour it into a strainer and rinse beans well with cold tap water.
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Dice all vegetables on a cutting board.
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Toss all ingredients in a large bowl, adding the olive oil and white wine vinegar (more or less than 1/4 cup can be used, according to taste) until they are well coated.
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While mixing the ingredients, add sea salt and freshly ground pepper, according to taste.
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Can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use. Refrigerate any unused portions for up to three days.
Recipe Notes
*If you replace the Mixed Bean Medley with a can of Chick Peas, the calorie count rises by 40 calories per serving.