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Green bean salad is one of those simple yet impressive dishes that never goes out of style! Crisp, sautéed green beans paired with creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a hint of lemon create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re serving it as a light side dish for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a summer barbecue, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to whip up and packed with nutrients—what’s not to love? Let’s dive into this fresh and flavorful recipe!
Why We Love This Green Bean Salad
This simple green bean salad recipe has been a ‘go-to’ for our family for a long time. It’s fast and simple and has a huge flavor! Although it is best made with garden fresh beans, it is the perfect side dish in any season! Pair it with this delicious smoked roast chicken recipe or perhaps as a side for a delicious round roast for a fresh, healthy taste! I hope you love this as much as we do!
Here’s why this green bean salad is a staple in our home:
ove this recipe because it’s so quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, which means more time enjoying and less time cooking!
- Healthy & Nutritious: I always feel great serving this dish because it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Deliciously Versatile: Whether I serve it warm as a cozy side or chilled for a refreshing salad, it’s always a hit.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: I make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week!
Another reason why this salad works is that it is so versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or you can make it the star of the show by adding some protein, like grilled shrimp or tofu. You can also customize the salad to your liking by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or fire-smoked tomatoes.
Choosing The Best Green Beans To Cook With
Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many ways. When choosing green beans for your salad, it’s important to select fresh, crisp beans that are a bright, vibrant green color. Whether you get them at a farmer’s market or find them at your local grocery store, here are some tips to help you choose the best green beans:
- Look for beans that are firm and straight, and that have vibrant color without any wrinkles or spots.
- Find beans with a crisp texture and avoid beans that are limp or have brown spots, as they may be past their prime.
- Choose beans that are similar in size so they will cook evenly.
- If possible, choose organic green beans to avoid exposure to pesticides.
Once you have selected your green beans, it’s important to prepare them properly. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and trim the ends off each bean. You can leave the beans whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
When cooking green beans, it’s important not to overcook them. Overcooked beans can become mushy or dry and lose their bright green color and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients that you will need to make this easy green bean salad:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed – Crisp and vibrant, they are the star of the dish!
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted – For a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup or 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – Enhances the flavors while keeping it light.
- 2 large shallots sliced thin – Add a sweetness when cooked.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Provides a touch of heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a warm, savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper – – Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
Optional
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Pro Tip: I always use haricots verts (French green beans) when I can—they have a delicate texture that works beautifully in this dish. I grow this variety in the garden every year for this salad.
How To Make Green Bean Salad With Goat Cheese And Toasted Almonds
Preparing the Salad
- Begin by washing and trimming the ends of 2 pounds of fresh green beans.
- Next, in a large saucepan on medium, heat olive oil, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Sautéed until the shallots are a translucent color.
- Toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cut 4 ounces of goat cheese into small pieces and set aside.
- Add green beans and stir in garlic powder, salt and black pepper until desired tenderness is reached, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Assembling the Salad
- Transfer the green beans to a large mixing bowl. Toss the beans with goat cheese and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad. Serve immediately.
This green bean salad with toasted almonds and goat cheese is an easy, delicious, and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The fresh flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser that will definitely impress your guests. It can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings. Enjoy!
How To Store Green Bean Salad
Green bean salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips:
- Transfer the salad to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent air from getting in and drying out the salad.
- Do not dress the salad until just before serving. If the salad is dressed too far in advance, the vegetables may become soggy, and the flavors may blend together too much.
- When you are ready to serve the salad, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your green bean salad with toasted almonds and goat cheese for several days after making it. In fact, our family would argue it tastes better the next day! Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations
Fresh green bean salad with toasted almonds and goat cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect salad:
- Always choose fresh ingredients for this simple recipe whenever possible.
- Experiment with different types of nuts. Instead of almonds, use pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios.
- For a sweeter flavor, add dried cranberries or raisins to the salad. Or add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a citrus twist.
- Try using different types of cheese. Feta cheese or blue cheese can be used instead of goat cheese.
- For added crunch, add some sliced red onions or diced celery.
- This recipe is also very good if you use fresh asparagus as a substitute for the green beans.
- If you make leftovers, try having this as a cold green bean salad! It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!
- Lastly, for a slight flavor variation, try adding basil or parsley to the salad, too.
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When toasting the almonds, be sure to keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Finally, when assembling the salad, be sure to toss the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the delicate goat cheese. Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked
Here are some common questions about green bean salad with toasted almonds and goat cheese:
Green bean salad with toasted almonds and goat cheese is a healthy and nutritious dish. Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Goat cheese is a good source of protein and calcium.
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Cook the green beans and fry the almonds as directed, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve the salad, toss the green beans, almonds, and goat cheese and serve.
You can customize this salad to your taste by adding other ingredients. Some great options that give bright flavors to this salad:
Dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness
Cherry tomatoes for color and flavor
Red onion or shallots for a bit of bite
Basil, parsley, or cilantro for freshness
Balsamic vinegar or honey for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite combination!
More Delicious Sides
Looking for more delicious salad options? Try this oh-so-easy pesto potato salad, my “go to” healthy coleslaw, or any of the yummy recipes below:
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Ingredients
For The Salad
- 2 pounds green beans trimmed
- 1/2 cup almonds toasted and sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbled
- 1 tsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 large shallots sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt kosher
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
Optional
- 1/4 cup parsley fresh and chopped
- 1/4 cup basil fresh and chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Salad
- Begin by washing and trimming the ends of 1 pound of fresh green beans.
- Next, in a large saucepan on medium, heat olive oil, shallots and red pepper flakes. Sautéed until the shallots are a translucent colour.
- Toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cut 4 ounces of goat cheese into small pieces and set aside.
- Add green beans and stir in garlic powder, salt and black pepper until desired tenderness is reached, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Assembling the Salad
- Transfer the green beans to a large mixing bowl. Toss the beans with goat cheese and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the salad. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
- Always choose fresh ingredients for this simple recipe whenever possible.
-
- Experiment with different types of nuts. Instead of almonds, try using pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios.
-
- For a sweeter flavor, add dried cranberries or raisins to the salad. Or add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a citrus twist.
-
- Try using different types of cheese. Feta cheese or blue cheese can be used instead of goat cheese.
-
- For added crunch, add some sliced red onions or diced celery.
-
- Sub this recipe also is very good for fresh asparagus.
-
- If you make leftovers, try having this as a cold green bean salad! It tastes just as good if not better the next day!
-
- Lastly, for a slight flavor variation, try adding basil or parsley into the salad too.
