Teresa's Recipes
Refreshing Green Bean and Cucumber Salad with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this Refreshing Green Bean and Cucumber Salad. Crisp green beans and cool cucumbers come together in a delightful medley, accented by sweet cherry tomatoes and the aromatic touch of fresh dill. The pièce de résistance is the homemade honey-Dijon vinaigrette, which adds a perfect balance of tangy sweetness to every bite. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients but also a testament to the Mediterranean tradition of using fresh, seasonal produce that is celebrated for its health benefits and lively flavors. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish, this salad will elevate any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound, trimmed Green beans
- 1 large, diced Cucumber
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons White wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 13g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. This quick blanching process helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.
- Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps keep them fresh and bright.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh dill. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the honey-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors and textures!
Tips
- For added crunch, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes.
- To make it a more substantial dish, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.