Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Green Beans Salad with fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, topped with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
Salad Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Toppings
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly, drain them, and snap off the ends. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the green beans: Place the green beans in the boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Drain and cool beans: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately, drain the green beans using a colander, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until thoroughly blended.
- Toss green beans with dressing: Pour the warm dressing over the cooled green beans and toss to coat evenly. Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill.
- Add remaining ingredients: Before serving, mix in the chopped onion and diced tomatoes. Top the salad with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
Notes
- The green beans should be cooked al dente to maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and mustard in the dressing according to your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian option, this salad is already suitable as-is; for vegan, omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to let flavors meld.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar for the best dressing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
