Imagine a refreshing, crisp salad that captures the essence of summer in every single bite. This Green Bean Summer Salad is not just another side dish – it's a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that will transform your summer meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With its perfect blend of tender-crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty balsamic dressing, this recipe is about to become your new warm-weather obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Trim the ends off the green beans and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch the beans for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- While the green beans are blanching, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant color of the beans.
- Once the green beans are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them immediately to the ice bath. Let them cool for about 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Green Bean Summer Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to perfectly cooked green beans is the blanching technique. Make sure to have your ice bath ready before boiling to stop the cooking process and maintain that beautiful bright green color.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright green beans and ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- Don't Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
- Chill Time Matters: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add some crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the dish even further.
- Prep Ahead: This salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
