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Green Bean Salad with Dried Cherries and Almonds Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Green Bean Salad featuring crisp-tender green beans, sweet dried cherries, crunchy toasted almonds, and creamy goat cheese, all brought together with a zesty homemade shallot and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for any meal.

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 10 cups baby gem lettuce, torn (about 3 small heads)
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
  • 1/3 cup chopped mint

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and become crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and preserve their vibrant color. Drain well and pat dry before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, minced shallot, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on a large platter, combine torn baby gem lettuce, sliced cucumber, blanched green beans, dried cherries, toasted sliced almonds, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped mint for a fresh and colorful base.
  4. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all components. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Blanching the green beans quickly cooks them while maintaining their bright color and crunch.
  • Use toasted almonds for added crunch and deeper flavor.
  • Substitute goat cheese with feta if preferred for a tangier taste.
  • Prepare the dressing just before serving to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
  • This salad is best served immediately for optimal freshness and texture.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling (Blanching)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian