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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Balsamic Green Bean Salad

    Feb 19, 2013 by Kaitlin

    An easy vegan Green Bean Salad recipe with lemon-balsamic dressing. It's only 7 ingredients, so vibrant, and a beautiful taste of summer! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free option.)

    Balsamic green bean salad with onion and tomato on a white plate

    This green bean salad is a great summertime dish when beans are in peak season.

    Crisp, tender green beans are marinated in a garlic-balsamic dressing with a hint of lemon. Then we toss them with sweet tomatoes and optional vegan cheese.

    It's simple to prepare, and so fresh and tasty!

    Fresh green beans being rinsed in a colander

    Ingredients for Green Bean Salad

    For this recipe you will need:

    • Fresh green beans: You will need one pound for this recipe. Green beans are available year round, but they are especially fresh in May through October during their peak season.
    • Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: Or you can substitute with roma, plum tomato, or other garden tomato if desired. I like cherry/grape best because they have such a rich, sweet flavor.
    • Red onion
    • Balsamic vinegar: If you're not a fan of balsamic, you could try apple cider vinegar instead (although I haven't tested this).
    • Fresh lemon juice: We will use two tablespoons lemon juice, which is about a half lemon.
    • Olive oil: This is completely optional. Simply omit for an oil-free version.
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    Dressing being poured over green beans for salad preparation

    Serving

    It's best served the same day if you are looking for eye appeal. The green beans do start to fade in color the longer they marinate in the dark balsamic dressing.

    Dairy-free cheese: You can also add vegan feta cheese crumbles before serving. Either use your own favorite homemade tofu feta recipe, or "Violife Foods" and "Follow Your Heart" both sell vegan feta.

    Looking for more? Also check out this delicious oil-free Three Bean Salad with Vinegar Dressing!

    Vegan green bean salad with tomato and balsamic on a long white plate

    For more inspiration, also browse all side dish recipes or gluten-free recipes.

    Balsamic green bean salad with onion and tomato on a white plate

    Balsamic Green Bean Salad

    A fresh and easy green bean salad with a tasty lemon-balsamic dressing. Such a vibrant, beautiful taste of summer!
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Chill Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free Option, Vegan
    Servings: 5 side servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. fresh green beans
    • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
    • 1/2 small red onion
    • Optional: vegan feta crumbles

    For the lemon-balsamic dressing:

    • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
    • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
    • 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil (optional - omit for oil-free)
    • Salt/pepper

    Instructions

    • Make the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
    • Trim ends off green beans and rinse. Steam (or boil) for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. In a colander, rinse well with cold water to stop cooking, then pat dry. Cut green beans into 1 to 2 inch pieces.
    • Finely dice red onion.
    • Place onion and green beans in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over top and toss to coat.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to marinate for best flavor.
    • When ready to serve, add diced tomatoes, vegan feta (optional) and lightly toss.

    Notes

    Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Balsamic Green Bean Salad
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    71
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Potassium
     
    296
    mg
    8
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    10
    g
    3
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    876
    IU
    18
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    19
    mg
    23
    %
    Calcium
     
    43
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this fresh vegan green bean salad, also check out:

    • Green Beans with Shallots & Tomato
    • Three Bean Salad with Vinegar Dressing
    • Roasted Peas with Mushroom

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Salad Recipes

    • Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus
    • Asian Kale & Tofu Salad with Peanut Dressing
    • Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Dill Dressing
    • Three Bean Salad with Vinegar Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Janice Eng

      June 22, 2021 at 12:59 am

      I loved the recipe. I noticed there were no spices besides the garlic. I added some dill. I didn't have a red onion but used a sweet one. It's a hot summer day and this was refreshing. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        June 26, 2021 at 11:31 am

        Dill sounds like a fantastic addition - great thinking. Thanks so much for giving it a try and sharing your feedback!

        Reply
    2. Donna

      August 31, 2019 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      This was excellent! Everyone loved it, and it was quick and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        September 16, 2019 at 9:04 am

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    3. Kae JL

      June 12, 2015 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks for the fun salad ideas! Also, thank you for real printer friendly versions without a lot of garbage on them!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        June 13, 2015 at 2:45 pm

        My pleasure! Happy to hear the print pages are working for you as well - thanks for sharing.

        Reply
        • T. Rashall

          June 16, 2022 at 9:58 pm

          5 stars
          I found this recipe years ago and make it from time to time. Always a hit!! My daughter just had her first baby and my first grand baby. Of course I told her I would cook whatever she wanted. "Please can I have the green bean salad” she replied. Thank you for the wonderful recipe that we have enjoyed for years.

          Reply
          • Kaitlin

            June 20, 2022 at 8:40 am

            Hello and what a lovely comment to receive! First and foremost, sending huge congratulations to your family on your new addition - how exciting! And that's so sweet to hear your daughter requested this salad. I'm honored. Thanks for taking the time share your kind feedback. Enjoy your newborn grandbaby snuggles!

    4. junimoon22

      August 19, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      This looks like a great addition to a Labor Day BBQ menu. I'm expecting eight people. How many does this receipe serve? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        August 20, 2014 at 1:30 pm

        This could potentially serve 8 people if the servings are very small, and there are other sides available. Otherwise I'd suggest doubling it.

        Reply
    5. Anonymous

      August 12, 2014 at 1:37 pm

      Made this for the hubby's extended family dinner. Everyone loved it! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        August 12, 2014 at 8:00 pm

        So great to hear everyone enjoyed it! Sweet of you to leave a message - thanks!

        Reply
    6. Anonymous

      July 29, 2014 at 5:21 pm

      About how many cups is a lb of green beans? I have a bunch fresh from the garden, but I don't have a scale. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        July 29, 2014 at 5:43 pm

        Hi! Great question. One pound of green beans is about 3 cups (raw, trimmed). It doesn't have to be precise but that gives you a ballpark estimate. Green beans fresh from the garden sound fantastic. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Cleveland Snowplowing

      July 03, 2014 at 12:15 am

      Wow Kaitlin, that's making my mouth water. Fresh green beans are always awesome! My grandparents used to always make bean salad when I was a kid (which I still like today), but this is a pretty cool twist.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        July 03, 2014 at 8:20 pm

        Thanks for the kind message! Always great to reminisce on food from your childhood.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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