Lemon Garlic Green Bean Salad

Salads have long been celebrated as a versatile and nutritious choice for meals, acting as a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. With an endless array of ingredients and flavor combinations, salads can transform a simple meal into a vibrant culinary experience. Among the myriad of salad options, the Zesty Lemon Garlic Green Bean Salad stands out, offering a refreshing blend of crisp green beans, tangy citrus, and aromatic garlic that tantalizes the taste buds.

Discover the refreshing Zesty Lemon Garlic Green Bean Salad, a colorful and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Made with crisp green beans, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with health benefits. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light lunch, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like cherry tomatoes, nuts, and fresh herbs. Elevate your meals with this vibrant salad that’s bursting with flavor!

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Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp.

Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled green beans, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped nuts if using. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color. Serve the salad fresh as a side dish or enjoy it as a light lunch!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4