Surprising Summer Side

(Family Features) - For your next summer gathering, pass on the macaroni salad and can the coleslaw. Break from tradition with a colorful, cooling and crunchy side dish that's easy to make and sure to please.

Whether you need something fast for an impromptu backyard barbecue or something to jazz up a family reunion potluck, Beet and Corn Salad is the perfect summertime side. The fresh ingredients like red bell pepper, sugar snap peas and corn in this tangy salad pair perfectly with grilled favorite entrées from burgers and chicken to chops and sausages.

The dressing on this seasonal salad comes together fast. Simply mix some of the liquid from the jar of Aunt Nellie's pickled beets with vinegar, Dijon mustard and oil, finishing with fresh basil. And it's not just the dressing that's quick and easy - because the beets are already pickled, the whole salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Plus, if you're serving a crowd, the recipe can be easily doubled.

Let Beet and Corn Salad shine at your next summer meal. For more information, visit www.senecafoods.com.

Beet and Corn Salad
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

1 jar (16 oz.) Aunt Nellie's Whole Pickled Beets*
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup fresh, cooked or frozen corn (thawed, if frozen)
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup stringless sugar snap peas
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

Drain beets, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Cut beets into quarters and combine with celery, corn, pepper, snap peas and parsley in a medium bowl.

To prepare dressing, whisk together reserved beet liquid, vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in oil until well blended. Stir in basil. Pour over beet mixture; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, or chill.

*Aunt Nellie's Sliced Pickled Beets may be substituted, if desired.

Nutrients per serving (1/4 of recipe): 144 calories, 20g carbohydrate, 1g protein, 7g fat, 428mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol, 1g dietary fiber, less than 1mg iron, less than 1mg thiamin, 518 IU vitamin A, 27mg vitamin C

SOURCE: Aunt Nellie's Beets (Seneca Foods Corporation)