Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese
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Brighten up your summer eats with this light and lemony green bean salad with goat cheese! This simple yet sophisticated side dish is quick, easy, and oh-so-refreshing—perfect for those sunny days and last-minute backyard get-togethers.
Green Bean Go-To
Green beans with goat cheese, you say? Heck yes! This isn’t your average green bean salad recipe—it’s a perfect balance of fresh, crisp green beans tossed with a bright lemony vinaigrette and topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese crumbles, fresh basil, and toasted pistachios.
Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or need a quick, refreshing side that screams sunshine, this recipe is here to brighten your plate and your day.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you’ll feel good serving it to family and friends. One bite, and you’ll never look at green beans the same way again!
Looking for more easy salad ideas? Be sure to try our refreshing summer berry salad, minty mango cucumber salad with avocado, simple strawberry spring mix salad, tangy strawberry goat cheese salad, and our Italian-style spinach and arugula salad with shaved parmesan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Green Beans
Green beans, a versatile and beloved vegetable, go by several names such as French beans (haricots vert), string beans, and snap beans. Originating from South and Central America, these crunchy delights have made their way into gardens and kitchens around the world.
In the Pacific Northwest, green beans begin to make their seasonal debut in farmers’ markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes around June and July.
The mild climate of the region provides ideal growing conditions, allowing these beans to flourish and become a staple in summer dishes. Whether blanched, roasted, or tossed in a fresh salad, green beans bring a vibrant, crisp texture to any meal during these warmer months.
Key Ingredients
Scroll down further to see the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Step-By-Step Directions
1
Steam the Beans
Boil a half-inch of salted water in a large skillet. Add green beans, cover, and steam until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Cool the Beans
Prepare ice water in a large bowl. After steaming, immerse the beans until cool, then drain and dry.
3
Prepare the Dressing
Mix lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil.
4
Combine With Dressing
Toss the cooled beans in and combine with the dressing.
5
Serve and Enjoy
Place beans on a platter or bowl, topping with goat cheese, pistachios, basil, and extra lemon zest.
Recipe Video
What to Serve with Green Bean Salad
Pairing your Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese alongside some classic summer main dishes can bring out the best in both. Here are some versatile options:
- Grilled Chicken: Opt for a simple marinated grilled chicken that complements the zesty flavors of the salad. Or try pairing it with our recipe for Blueberry BBQ Chicken.
- Roasted Pork: The tanginess of the salad balances out the sweet and savory flavors of the pork. Serve this salad alongside our Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Sauce for a heavenly pairing.
- Grilled Salmon: The richness of salmon grilled with just a touch of seasoning is a perfect match for the freshness of the green beans. Or try pairing it with our Pesto Butter Salmon or Basil Pesto Crusted Salmon recipes.
- Baked Fish: The zesty lemony flavors of the salad complements the flavors of simply baked fish. Try serving this salad with our baked Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon and Panko.
- Simple Pasta Dish: Toss pasta with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to keep it light and summery. Or how about serving it with our Creamy Rainbow Vegetable Pasta?
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Lemony Green Bean Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- large sauté pan or skillet (I used a 12-inch size)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds green beans, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus 1 teaspoon for garnish
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pistachios or almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a half-inch of salted water in a large skillet until it boils. Add the green beans, cover the pan, and let them steam until tender and the water has evaporated, about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crisp you like your beans.
- While the beans cook, prepare a large bowl with ice water. Once the beans are done, plunge them into the ice water until cool, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well blended and thickened. Add the cooled beans and toss to coat.
- Transfer the dressed beans to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle with goat cheese, nuts, basil, and remaining lemon zest as desired.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Blanch Perfectly: Blanch the green beans just until they are brightly colored and still crisp. This locks in the flavor and color, making them perfect for the salad.
- Ice Bath Shock: After blanching, immediately shock the beans in ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the nuts (pistachios or almonds) enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn them.
- Quality Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor, especially in a simple dressing like this.
- Herb Freshness: Use freshly chopped basil for the best flavor. If basil isn’t your favorite, consider other herbs like dill or parsley that also pair well with green beans.
- Add Variety: Introduce other vegetables like thinly sliced radishes or red onion to add color and a bit of sharpness, which complements the creamy and nutty components beautifully.
- Season Properly: Don’t forget to season the cooking water for the green beans with plenty of salt. It’s your first opportunity to add flavor to the beans.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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