Like most Italian recipes, the most important thing is to be sure and use the freshest ingredients.
If the green beans are fresh and tender, cooked properly and simply dressed, this simple dish is an absolutely amazing, refreshing salad.
My mother loved serving this delicious salad of tender green beans, olive oil, vinegar & tons of fresh mint. She used to add a small amount of breadcrumbs to the dressing which helped the vinaigrette stick onto the green beans.
A great childhood memory!
Green Bean Salad
Green beans come in a range of varieties, each with subtle differences in texture and flavor. Common types include slender French haricots verts, which are tender and dark in color; standard American green beans, slightly firmer and larger with a more pronounced “bean” flavor; and flat Romano beans, prized for their meaty texture and robust taste. Purple and yellow wax beans add visual contrast, though they cook similarly to green varieties.
Nutritionally, green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, supporting digestive health while providing vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain folate and antioxidants that contribute to immune function and overall cellular health, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to the table.
Prep Time: 2o min to assemble
Cooking Time: 30 min to marinate
Yield: 4 portions
Ingredients
1 lb. Green beans, stem end snipped off
Dressing:
2 oz. Red wine vinegar
6 oz. Olive oil
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
t.t. Black pepper
1 oz. Garlic, sliced thinly
4 oz. Mint, chiffonade
2 Tbsp Breadcrumbs
How to make Summer Heirloom Tomato Salad
Step 1 Cooking the beans
Boil the beans separately in salted, boiling water, when the beans are tender (about 6 minutes), shock in ice water and drain. Reserve.
Step 2
Whisk all of the salad dressing ingredients together, add the green beans and toss so that the beans are all covered with the dressing.
Marinate for 30 minutes and enjoy.
You can prepare a variety of delicious, green bean salads with this vinaigrette recipe-just add wax beans or fava beans or snow peas and your favorite herbs and spices.
