Green Bean Salad
This vibrant Cold Green Bean Salad (Italian-Style) with cannellini beans, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette is fresh and bold! The perfect summer salad is ready for your next potluck- in 20 minutes!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 ounces fresh green beans ends trimmed and cut in halves or thirds
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn by hand
- Up to 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
Homemade Zesty Italian Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic minced very fine
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant green. Do not overcook.
- Shock in Ice Water: Immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Let cool completely, then drain and pat dry.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified and glossy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine green beans, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and basil. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Finish & Serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Top with toasted nuts and shaved Parmigiano. Taste and adjust salt and lemon if needed. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
- Salt the blanching water well — it seasons the beans from within.
- Do not skip the ice bath — this locks in that bright green color.
- Dry the beans thoroughly before dressing to prevent dilution.
- Dress the salad 20–30 minutes before serving so flavors marry.
- Use real Parmigiano Reggiano — it makes a noticeable difference.
Nutrition
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 3mg
