Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Green Bean and Tomato Salad is an effortless side dish that screams summer. Whether you are pairing with your weekly dinner or packing up to take to your next summer cookout, this tomato and green bean casserole is bursting with fresh flavors.
I think green beans just may be my favorite veggie! For a long time, it was broccoli, but I’ve been using green beans more in recipes and I can’t get enough of them!
Green Bean and Tomato Salad
June seems to be the best month to buy local green beans in our area. I bought organic green beans that were already trimmed and triple washed at the grocery store. Fresh green beans are absolutely worth buying.
If you are looking for more green bean recipes, check out my recipes for Green Bean Casserole, Southern-Style Green Beans, Garden Vegetable Beef Skillet, and Chili Buttered Green Beans & Almonds.
How Do You Wash Fresh Green Beans
You will want to start by washing your green beans in cold water and rinse and wash until water runs clean. I generally place them in a strainer or bowl and lift the beans up from the water to wash. You will find a lot of debris can drop down from the beans.
Then break off the ends (top and tail) and rinse, and then set aside.
Why are my Green Beans Tough
Sometimes green beans can be picked past their prime. You want to reach for smaller pods that are young. If you get really large beans they could offer a more fibrous texture as they are older and should have been picked earlier.
How Do You Know If Fresh Green Beans are Bad
- Limp | If you hold up a green bean and it droops it means it is bad. You want your green beans to be firm and hold up if you hold one by one end.
- Snap | When you bend your green bean you will hear it make a snap noise as it breaks. That means it is fresh. If your bean just bends and doesn’t snap or breaks with no noise, it is less than at its prime.
- Color | Brown spots or a dull look on the green beans is a sign it is bad or going bad. You want your green beans to be bright in color.
Dressing For Green Bean and Tomato Salad
Homemade is the best in my opinion. This recipe is incredibly easy, and you will love the fresh flavors. You just can’t get that same freshness from a bottled vinaigrette.
What Tomatoes to Use in Salad
Personally, I reach for a cherry or grape tomato. I slice it in half, they seem to be a perfect size. Now, you are welcome to dice up other size tomatoes if you prefer the taste of that better.
How to Make Green Bean and Tomato Salad
Start by prepping your green beans by washing, and breaking off the ends. Then cook the green beans in a pot of boiling water for around two minutes. Drain and rinse the beans in cold water to help stop the cooking process. Pat dry and then transfer the beans into a bowl.
Toss in your tomatoes, shallot, and basil. Then in a small bowl whisk your salt and pepper along with vinegar and oil. Toss and pour over your veggies and mix it in. Then you are ready to serve.
Best Way to Store Tomato and Green Bean Salad
You will want to store your salad in the fridge. This will last for 2-3 days. The shallots can become strong with each day, so just be aware the flavor will change as it sits.
Craving More Summer Side Dishes
- Cheese Potato Salad | This is a fun twist on a classic potato salad that is cheesy as can be. Whip this up in a hurry and serve at your next potluck.
- Corn Salad | One of my favorite summer salads is a corn salad. You have crisp radishes, sweet corn, and more all together in one salad.
- Sauerkraut Salad | Tangy, vinegary, and downright delicious. This salad is unique in flavor and delicious. We make this recipe often.
Can You Freeze Green Bean Salad
No, you can’t. Unfortunately, the salad will break down too much once it begins to thaw. But since the recipe is so easy you can make it whenever you want.
This Green Bean and Tomato Salad is truly a home run. Give it a try if you want something a bit different to serve up at your next event or weeknight meal.
You’ll also love this Bean Salad, BLT Salad, Cheeseburger Salad, Hot Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad with Grapes, Broccoli Salad, Warm Lentil Salad and Watermelon and Feta Salad.
Green Bean & Tomato Salad
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Ingredients
- ¾ lb green beans ends trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 shallot minced
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook green beans in a large pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry and transfer to a bowl. Mix in tomatoes, shallot and basil.
- Whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add to veggies and toss.
Equipment
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Sounds like the perfect lunch salad and it’s a nice change up from lettuce!!
I wanted to bring this in for lunch at work…you recommend keeping the dressing mixed on the side in a container or if made the night before to mix it into the green beans?
I would mix it in the night before so it has a chance to marinade.
Such a summer-y recipe. I have Pinned to my Simply Stacie board. Maybe add some delightfull buffalo cheese or chevre on top? MMMM.
This sounds refreshing, light, and wonderful. I will have to try it. I love broccoli and tomatoes and his would be a good combination too. I’d add onions with the shallots but lve the use of vinegar and oil.
Green beans are still in season up here, so I’ll have to try this! Sounds yummy!
I love fresh green beans and this sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Our green beans will be ready in our garden in about a week. This recipe looks so yummy I have to try it. I also have to try the Garden Vegetable Beef skillet too. I can’t wait!
Sounds good, and now I can finally use that red wine vinegar I bought on a wine tour!
This sounds great. When I cook green beans to eat as a side dish, I usually cut up tomatoes and onions in them when I serve them.
Tomatoes and basil go so well together. Must be fresh basil for me.
Like yourself I love fresh green beans, your recipes sounds like just the thing for a fresh summer salad. I know I’m going to make it this week sometime for sure…
Great sounding recipe! I am growing cherry tomatoes & green beans in my garden – I will definitely be trying this recipe when they are ready to harvest! 🙂
Thank yoU!
Oh that is a pretty salad!! That looks so delicious. Thank you for sharing. I printed it out to try.
What a coinkydinky – I just got some fresh cherry tomatoes and green beans at the farmers’ market yesterday morning – this is a great way to use them. Thanks!
I love my aunt’s green bean casserole and I definitely excited about trying this recipe. It looks delicious!
Mmmmmm love how this is super easy and quick to make. I never know what to do with green beans when I’m given them and it never occured to me to try making a salad with it. I shall have to try this!
Another recipe I can make! Trying to eat more plant-based, thanks!
Very simple but sounds like a yummy recipe. Will have to try it when we get some fresh green beans.
We love fresh green beans and have for many years! I’ve never served them like this though. This sounds so refreshing and light! Thanks
That is refreshng summer dish. I like the use of fresh basil.