KFC Bean Salad

A bean salad tastes better after it marinates 3–4 days, so make this dish ahead of time and you will be able to enjoy all of the rich flavors when you are ready to eat.

KFC’s Bean Salad is a classic side dish that is known for its tangy and flavorful combination of beans and vegetables. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad offers a refreshing and nutritious addition to any meal. The combination of green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans provides a variety of textures and flavors, while the diced green pepper and white onion add a refreshing crunch. The dressing, made with vegetable oil, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper, adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the salad. The beans and vegetables are marinated in the dressing, allowing the flavors to blend together and develop over time. This salad is best when marinated in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into the beans and vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or as a topping for salads, KFC’s Bean Salad is a crowd-pleaser that adds a tasty and nutritious element to any meal.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-ounce) can green beans
• 1 (16-ounce) can wax beans
• 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 medium small-diced green pepper
• 1 medium small-diced white onion
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup cider vinegar
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Drain and rinse all the beans.
2. In a bowl, combine the drained beans, diced green pepper, and diced white onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Transfer the salad to an airtight container.
6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 3-4 days to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir the salad occasionally during the marinating process to distribute the flavors.
8. Serve chilled as a side dish or topping for salads.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS:

• High in Fiber: The combination of green beans, wax beans, and kidney beans in this salad provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Beans and vegetables used in the salad are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients play important roles in supporting overall health, immune function, and proper cell function.
• Low in Fat: The dressing for the salad is made with vegetable oil, which contains unsaturated fats that are considered healthier fats compared to saturated fats. Consuming moderate amounts of healthy fats is essential for nutrient absorption and providing energy to the body.
• Reduced Sodium Option: By making the salad at home, you have control over the amount of salt added to the recipe. Reducing sodium intake is beneficial for managing blood pressure and overall heart health.
• Plant-Based Protein: The combination of beans in the salad provides plant-based protein, which is a valuable nutrient for supporting muscle growth and repair, as well as overall body functioning.