Creamy Green Bean Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Creamy Green Bean Salad

Creamy Green Bean Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the crispness of fresh green beans and a rich, velvety dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. This recipe is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal. Originating from classic American potlucks, this salad has become a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts, cherished for its simplicity and deliciousness.

People love this dish for its perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, making it a refreshing addition to any table. The vibrant green beans are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, while the creamy dressing adds a luxurious touch that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick side to complement your main course or a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, Creamy Green Bean Salad is the answer. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the Green Beans

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help to season the green beans as they cook.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
3. While the green beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. This will stop the cooking process and help maintain the vibrant color of the beans.
4. After 4-5 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans to the ice bath. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to cool completely.
5. Once cooled, drain the green beans and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set them aside for later use.

Making the Creamy Dressing

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir them together until they are well blended.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
4. If you like a bit of tanginess, feel free to add a little more vinegar or mustard. Taste the dressing and make any adjustments as needed.

Combining the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
2. Pour the creamy dressing over the green bean mixture. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top and gently fold it into the salad. This adds a wonderful creaminess and flavor.
4. Once everything is well combined, taste the salad again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar.

Chilling and Serving

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of water or more vinegar to loosen it up.
3. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
4. Serve the creamy green bean salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch on its own.

Tips and Variations

• Adding Crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted almonds or walnuts to the salad.
• Herb Variations: Fresh dill or chives can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more variety.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives to make this salad vegan-friendly.

Storage Instructions

• This creamy green bean salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep in mind that the green beans may lose

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that combines freshness, creaminess, and a burst of flavor, then this Creamy Green Bean Salad is an absolute must-try! The vibrant green beans paired with a luscious dressing create a delightful balance that is sure to impress your family and friends. Not only is this salad a feast for the eyes, but it also brings a satisfying crunch and a rich taste that elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or simply as a side dish for a weeknight dinner, this salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

  For serving suggestions, consider pairing this Creamy Green Bean Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The creaminess of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats beautifully. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside a hearty pasta dish or a light quinoa bowl for a balanced and nutritious spread. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating some toasted nuts for an extra crunch or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty kick. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or basil, to give the dressing a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

  I encourage you to give this Creamy Green Bean Salad a try! It’s not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a deliciously creamy format. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you add any special ingredients or variations? How did your family react to this delightful dish? Sharing your thoughts and photos on social media can inspire others to try this recipe as well.

  So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delightful salad. I promise you won’t regret it! The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more, and it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!

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  Creamy Green Bean Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

  This Creamy Green Bean Salad features tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy creamy dressing, making it a refreshing side dish or light lunch option. Perfect for any meal, it can be customized with additional veggies or nuts for extra crunch. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time5 minutes

  Total Time50 minutes

  Category: Healthy & Comfort Food

  Yield: 4 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

  Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  3. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl with ice and cold water.
  4. Transfer the green beans to the ice bath using a slotted spoon and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
  5. Drain the green beans and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
  6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream, stirring until well blended.
  7. Add apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  8. Sprinkle in garlic powder, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
  10. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
  11. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top and fold it into the salad.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  13. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  14. Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute the dressing. Add a splash of water or vinegar if it seems thick.
  15. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  16. Serve chilled or at room temperature, pairing well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

  Notes

  • For added crunch, consider adding toasted almonds or walnuts.
  • Fresh dill or chives can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety.
  • To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives.