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Home » Popular » Salads » Balsamic Green Bean Salad

Balsamic Green Bean Salad

March 21, 20233 Comments

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Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~ Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley. via @thiswifecooks

Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~

Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley.

This fresh and tangy salad complements a wide variety of main courses and can be served at room temperature or chilled. Try it with Grilled BBQ Tofu or Vegan Italian Sausage Burgers!

Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~ Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Fresh Green Bean Salad Recipe
  • Ingredients for Balsamic Green Bean Salad
  • How to Make Balsamic Green Bean Salad
  • Quick Tip for Success
  • More Salad Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Balsamic Green Bean Salad Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition

Fresh Green Bean Salad Recipe

I like this green bean salad as a side dish because it’s easy to make and complements a wide variety of main courses. The crispness of the beans combined with the tangy dressing makes for a refreshing contrast to heavier main dishes

This salad can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient and easy-to-serve option for gatherings or meal prep. It’s also a nice option as a lighter side dish during the holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Easter.

Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~ Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley.

Ingredients for Balsamic Green Bean Salad

You will need the following:

  • Balsamic Vinegar – This is the base of the marinade. I used dark balsamic vinegar for its rich, complex flavor with a slightly sweet and tart taste. White balsamic can be used, although not recommended, since the taste would be milder and sweeter.
  • Olive Oil – I use extra virgin olive oil.
  • Garlic – Fresh is best; garlic powder is not recommended for this recipe.
  • Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Amounts given are guidelines; adjust seasoning to suit your personal preference or dietary restrictions.
  • Vidalia Onion – This sweet onion variety has a mild taste that won’t overpower the dish.
  • Fresh Green Beans – Look for beans that are firm, bright, and free from blemishes or signs of aging. Canned or frozen green beans can be mushy and are not recommended for this salad!
  • Parsley – For freshness and garnish.

How to Make Balsamic Green Bean Salad

STEP ONE: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

STEP TWO: Prep the onions. Place onion slices in a large bowl and set aside.

STEP THREE: Cook the green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for approximately 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain and add hot beans to the bowl with the onions.

STEP FOUR: Assemble the salad. Drizzle the green beans with the vinegar and oil mixture, then toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and toss again. Allow to marinate either on the counter or in the refrigerator, depending on how you want to serve the salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~ Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley.

Quick Tip for Success

Don’t rinse the green beans after cooking! Marinating cooked green beans while they are still hot allows them to absorb the flavors of the marinade more effectively, resulting in a highly flavorful dish.

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Bell Pepper Salad
  • Brussels Sprouts Salad
  • Smashed Cucumber Salad
  • German Potato Salad
  • Broccoli Salad
Balsamic Green Bean Salad ~ Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley.

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A white plate is filled with balsamic green bean salad, featuring cooked green beans mixed with caramelized onions, and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs. The dish rests elegantly on a rustic white wooden surface.

Balsamic Green Bean Salad Recipe

Crisp-tender green beans marinated in a simple balsamic dressing with fresh onion, garlic, and parsley. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dairy free, make-ahead, side dish, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 115kcal
Author: Holly Gray
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Vidalia onion thinly sliced
  • 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon parsley finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  • Place onion slices in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for approximately 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain and add hot beans to the bowl with the onions.
  • Drizzle the green beans with the vinegar and oil mixture, then toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and toss again. Allow to marinate either on the counter or in the refrigerator, depending on how you want to serve the salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!

This post was updated on April 14, 2025.

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Filed Under: Easter, make-ahead, Mother's Day, Recently Updated, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: dairy-free, Easter, holiday, make-ahead, quick and easy, Thanksgiving, vegan, vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jacqui

    March 25, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a great recipe! Super easy and delicious, thank you!

    Reply
  2. Diane

    April 17, 2025 at 1:14 am

    I want to make this as a side dish on Easter Sunday. Is it ok to prepare the night before or is that too long to marinate?

    Reply
    • thiswifecooks

      April 17, 2025 at 6:32 pm

      Hi Diane ~ Making the salad fresh the same day (even a few hours before serving) is ideal. I have not tried marinating overnight but I feel like that could be too long and the beans might not be as crisp. I can’t confidently recommend that, especially for Easter dinner. I hope this helps!

5 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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