This cool Green Bean and Almond Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings together the crispness of green beans, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the crunch of toasted almonds. This simple yet elegant salad is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

If you’ve ever eaten a deep dish, extra cheesy pizza at 90s era Pizza Hut, then there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed their addictive green bean salad. Pizza Hut’s salad bar has always rivaled their pizzas, and their green bean salad- with sweet red onions and that tangy dressing- is probably the closest item on the menu to healthy(ish). Pun totally intended. The almonds in this copycat version add both crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different veggies and nuts- the recipe is pretty versatile.

Health Benefits of Green Bean and Almond Salad

This salad is packed with wholesome ingredients, each providing unique health benefits:

Green Beans: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, green beans support immune function, skin health, and bone strength. They are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion.
Red Onion: Red onions contain antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
Cherry Tomatoes: High in antioxidants like lycopene, cherry tomatoes help protect cells from damage. They also offer vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
Almonds: Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. They support heart health and provide sustained energy.
Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil promotes heart health and reduces inflammation.
Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, honey adds flavor and health benefits.
Lemon Juice: Packed with vitamin C, lemon juice boosts the immune system and enhances the flavor of the salad.

Combining these ingredients not only creates a delicious dish but also ensures it is nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and balanced diet.

How to Make Green Bean and Almond Salad

To make this delightful and easy salad, follow these simple steps:

Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch 2 cups of green beans until they are slightly tender but still crunchy. Immediately rinse them with icy cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
Soak the Red Onion: Slice one medium red onion and soak the slices in water for a few minutes to mellow their flavor.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, lemon juice to taste, and a drizzle of honey to create a balanced dressing.
Toast the Almonds: Toast 1/2 cup of peeled almonds in a dry pan until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the pan and let them cool.
Combine the Ingredients: Remove the red onion slices from the water and mix them with the blanched green beans in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes.
Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with the toasted almonds. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean and Almond Salad

Here are some tips to ensure your Green Bean and Almond Salad turns out perfectly:

Blanch the Green Beans Properly: Blanching the green beans quickly in boiling water and then rinsing them in icy cold water helps maintain their bright color and crunchy texture.
Soak the Red Onion: Soaking the sliced red onion in water for a few minutes helps reduce its sharpness, making it more palatable in the salad.
Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Be sure to toast them until they are just golden brown to avoid burning.
Adjust the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for tanginess.
Serve Chilled: This salad is best served cold, so be sure to refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

How to Serve Green Bean and Almond Salad

Green Bean and Almond Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways and on different occasions:

Lunch: Enjoy it as a light, refreshing lunch on its own or paired with a piece of grilled chicken or fish.
Dinner: Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty stew. It also pairs well with a simple soup.
Picnics and Potlucks: This salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks as it can be served cold. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
Healthy Snack: Have a small bowl as a healthy snack between meals. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats will keep you satisfied.
Special Occasions: Impress your guests by serving this colorful and flavorful salad at dinner parties or holiday gatherings. Its vibrant appearance and delicious taste are sure to be a hit.

Embracing Tradition with a Healthy Twist

This Green Bean and Almond Salad combines simple, fresh ingredients in a way that honors traditional flavors while offering a modern, health-conscious twist. This salad reflects the Mediterranean approach to eating, which emphasizes fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and balanced flavors.

The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains, inspires this recipe. By incorporating green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad offers a delightful way to enjoy the benefits of Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to being delicious, this salad supports overall health and wellness. The variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the almonds add healthy fats and protein. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing ties everything together with a burst of fresh, tangy flavor.

Green Bean & Almond Salad

Recipe by NevineCourse: Budget-Friendly, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Lunch, Vegan/Vegetarian

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

2 cups green beans
1 medium red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup peeled almonds
salt
pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
honey, to taste
lemon juice, to taste

Directions

Blanch green beans in boiling water until slightly done but still crunchy. Then immediately rinse with icy cold water. Soak sliced red onion in water.
Mix oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and honey together. Toast almonds in a dry pan until golden brown. Remove onions from water.
Mix sliced red onion with green beans and then add dressing and toss. Garnish with chopped almonds. Add dressing and taste test. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve cold.