Green Bean Salad Recipe

Name: Green Bean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Green beans (ends trimmed); 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (to taste); 2 Tablespoon red wine vinegar (to taste); 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste); 1/4 teaspoon Pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (to taste); 1 teaspoon Dried mint (to taste)

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This green bean salad recipe makes an Italian-inspired side dish that's simple and fresh. A red wine vinaigrette ties it all together in just 20 minutes, and it can easily be made ahead.

An overhead image of green bean salad in a wooden bowl.

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Why You'll Love This Cold Green Bean Salad
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
How To Make This Green Beans Cold Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Green Beans Salad
What To Serve With Green Bean Salads
Other Salad Recipes To Try
Green Bean Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Cold Green Bean Salad

I've been eating this salad for as long as I can remember. My Grandma Rose made it every single summer the minute the weather got nicer, and it's been a staple ever since. The ingredients are super simple, but the flavor is delicious. You've got the brightness from the red wine vinegar, the savory depth from the garlic, and that little touch of dried mint that makes it unique.

What I love most is that you can make it exactly how you like it. I personally go a little heavier on the vinegar with liberal seasonings, but that's just me. Taste as you go and make it your own! Here's why this green bean salad is a recipe you'll find yourself coming back to all summer long:

Ready in 20 minutes
Simple, minimal ingredients
Make-ahead friendly
Completely customizable
Perfect for summer gatherings

A close up image of a bowl of cold green bean salad.

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Green beans- Fresh green beans work best here.
Olive oil- Adds richness to the dressing. Good-quality olive oil makes a difference in terms of flavor.
Red wine vinegar- Gives the dressing its bright, tangy flavor. White wine vinegar works as a substitute.
Garlic powder- Adds a savory depth to the dressing.
Dried mint- The secret ingredient that makes this salad truly special. Fresh mint can be used instead, but add a bit more.
Pepper- Just enough to round everything out.
Salt- Season to taste.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How To Make This Green Beans Cold Salad

Step 1- Boil the green beans.

Cook the green beans until fork-tender, around 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them!

Step 2- Transfer to an ice bath.

Drain immediately and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This keeps the color bright and the texture a bit crisp. Dry the beans well.

Blanched green beans under cold water and then being dried with paper towels on a sheet pan.

Step 3- Dress the salad.

Once the beans have cooled, toss them with the olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Step 4- Season.

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried mint to taste.

Green beans with the seasoning on them and then all mixed together.

Step 5- Chill and serve.

Refrigerate until ready to serve, then give everything one more toss to redistribute the dressing before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely. Halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta, or even canned tuna are all delicious additions. It's a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to get creative.

Can I serve this salad warm?

You can. It's traditionally served cold, but it's just as delicious served warm straight after cooking. Just dress and season right away and dig in.

How do I know when the green beans are done cooking?

You're looking for fork-tender. They should have a little bite left, but not be crunchy. Around 5-7 minutes does the trick, but start checking early since every stove is a little different.

A wooden bowl of green bean salad with a striped towel in the background.

Tips For Green Beans Salad

Don't skip the ice bath. This is what keeps the green beans bright green and perfectly crisp. Skipping it means they'll keep cooking and turn mushy.
Trim your beans evenly. Uniform pieces mean everything cooks at the same rate.
Pat the beans dry after the ice bath before dressing. Excess water can dilute the dressing.
Dress while slightly cool, not cold. The beans absorb the dressing better when they're not completely chilled yet.
Make a big batch. This tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so leftovers are always a good idea.
Ingredients to prep ahead- The green beans can be boiled a day ahead and kept in the fridge until you're ready to dress and serve.
Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What To Serve With Green Bean Salads

This salad is such a versatile side that pairs beautifully with so many meals. These are some of the best recipes for green bean salad pairings the whole family will love:

Other Salad Recipes To Try

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