Green Bean Salad is a refreshing side dish with crisp-tender green beans tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light side for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, fresh green beans with bright flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Tangy vinaigrette complements any main dish
- Vegetarian and healthy
- Perfect for warm-weather meals or gatherings
Ingredients

- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess
- Toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch
- Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter taste
- Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to make it a full meal
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in fridge
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 2 days
- Freezer: Not recommended; best served fresh
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Keeps crisp-tender green beans when chilled
- Toss before serving to redistribute dressing
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Perfect with grilled chicken or fish
- Pair with roasted potatoes or pasta
- Great for picnic or potluck side dish
- Garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired
- Works well in a salad buffet or brunch table
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thaw and blanch briefly before mixing with dressing.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work well.
How do I keep green beans crisp?
Blanch them briefly and shock in ice water.
Ready to Make It?
Green Bean Salad is crisp, tangy, and refreshing, a perfect side dish for any meal. With simple ingredients and a bright vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
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Green Bean Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Green Bean Salad is a crisp and refreshing salad with green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Blanch green beans 2–3 minutes and rinse under cold water
2. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper
3. Add green beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion; toss to coat
4. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
5. Chill 30 minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook/Blanch
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg