Marinated Cold String Bean Salad Recipe with Tomatoes

Perfect for any potluck, this String Bean Salad is marinated in a tangy homemade salad dressing. With the addition of cherry tomatoes and parmesan before serving, this is one flavorful side salad!

Pin

To be perfectly honest, sometimes I get a little tired of all the different types of creamy side salads for the summer months. When I want a pop of tangy freshness, I automatically reach for this String Bean Salad.

Plus, being more on the vinaigrette side than mayonnaise based, this salad dressing can stand up while sitting out. A lot of the time, creamy salads like potato salad have to be kept refrigerated after a short period, making them not ideal for a party situation.

That’s why this easy green bean salad is one of my favorite ways to go, be it a picnic, potluck, or Sunday gathering at home with a crowd.

With such simple ingredients, every one of them stands out and shines. I could totally eat this easy string beans salad any day of the week, it is that good.

I crave it when it’s in the fridge, and I’ll sneak bites here and there; I can’t tell you how amazing it is!

Perfect for summer cookouts, I always get asked to bring this. And, of course, I do every time, I’ll make a double batch so I can keep some home for later. It’s even better the next day, making for amazing leftovers.

If you are looking to switch up your summer salads, I highly suggest making this String Bean Salad, so refreshing and different than the norm.

Pin

Jump to:

• WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
• HOW TO MAKE STRING BEAN SALAD:
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
• CAN I ADD ANYTHING?
• CAN I USE CANNED GREEN BEANS?
• CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD?
• ARE THERE ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
• HOW TO STORE:
• DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
• Marinated Cold String Bean Salad Recipe with Tomatoes

1. This fresh green bean salad makes a lot to feed a crowd, but you can easily halve or double the recipe.
2. Great for a make-ahead option since this simple salad needs to marinade in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. The perfect side dish to make for a picnic since it is not a mayonnaise-based salad.

• Fresh green beans
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Grated parmesan cheese

Pin

1. Place the green beans in a large stock pot. Cover the green beans with water 2 inches above the beans.
2. Place the large pot of water and beans on the stove over high heat, and bring to a boil.
3. Once at a boil, lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, we are looking for crisp-tender green beans. Strain and set aside.
4. Make the homemade dressing in a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, dijon, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the warm green beans and onion, toss to coat.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for 4 hours or longer. 
7. Before serving, add the tomatoes and cheese, toss to combine, add to a serving bowl, and serve immediately.

Pin

CAN I ADD ANYTHING?

Absolutely, let your imagination run wild and use this as a base recipe.

Some other veggies you can add:

• Asparagus (you will need to boil these along with the green beans, just trim the woody ends first)
• Bell peppers – love red bell peppers for this
• Corn
• Sweet onions
• Garbanzo beans
• Pine nuts
• Red pepper flakes
• Green onions

Some fresh herbs to add:

• Fresh basil
• Fresh dill
• Fresh pasley
• Fresh tarragon

I suggest keeping the parmesan and adding another cheese with it like:

• Feta cheese
• Diced mozzarella or mozzarella pearls

Hard-boiled eggs and bacon would also be amazing additions to this perfect summer salad!

CAN I USE CANNED GREEN BEANS?

No, for this salad to work properly, fresh beans should be used.

It’s really more of a fresh salad with fresh veggies and canned beans wouldn’t be the right texture.

Pin

CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD?

Yes! It is even better the next day or longer

Make the salad up to step 6 and allow it to sit in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Then, add the tomatoes and cheese!

You can add the tomatoes and cheese immediately, but I prefer adding them just before serving.

This is a personal preference so go with what you think will work the best.

ARE THERE ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Yes, there are different ways to do this cold green bean salad recipe! In place of the red wine vinegar use:

• Lemon juice – add a little lemon zest while you’re at it
• White wine vinegar
• Balsamic vinegar

Instead of dijon you can use yellow, spicy, or whole grain.

A simple recipe like this is easy to change up.

Pin

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Best served and eaten cold.

Fresh flavors here! I do not suggest freezing.

Pin

Looking for a salad with fresh ingredients?

This String Bean Salad is perfect for the summer and all year round.

It’ll get a five star rating from any crowd!

If you’ve tried this STRING BEAN SALAD, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!