Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 9:07 PM 
Today is moving day! The combination of packing and temperatures hovering near three digits for the last few weeks has limited my time in the kitchen. Instead, I've been sticking to Watermelon Agua Fresca (blended with ice rather than water to make it that much more refreshing), chilled pasta salad, and take-out (miraculously, the entire kitchen is packed). Three of my best friends arrive tonight for our annual (see photos from last year here) girl's "weekend"... brave, aren't they? I have promised they won't have to unpack a thing!
We are attending a 4th of July barbeque and if I can find a knife and a pot, I'll be bringing this Green Bean & Tomato Salad. I first made this a few years ago at a tomato-themed dinner - it was the peak of tomato season and I just couldn't help myself from stocking up at the farmer's market. This dish was a standout, in part because it is simple and takes no time at all to prepare. If I am short on time or ingredients, I'll just mix the green beans and tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and omit the other ingredients, but using the shallots, mustard, and vinegar add a nice zing.
Green Bean & Tomato Salad
Bon Appétit
Yield = 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Refresh under cold water; drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Combine mustard and vinegar in small bowl. Gradually whisk oil and then mix in shallots. Mix dressing and tomatoes into beans. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Sides & Salads, Vegetarian in In the Kitchen
Reader Comments (8)
I love this recipe! Thank you for helping me see "green bean salad" in a new way! Can't wait to make it soon. Happy 4th of July!
This was delicious! And, I even made it without the tomatoes (gasp!) b/c I didn't have any and I didn't feel like going to the store. We had delicious green beans from our CSA that needed to be eaten, and I needed to bring a side dish to a July 4th bbq. The dressing is delicious! And this was a hit. Everyone appreciated having a green side dish because the main dish was pulled pork (which was unbelievable!) and almost all of the sides were heavy mayonnaisey starchy concoctions, which also were delicious, but in a different kind of way.
I hope the move went well!
Judy, thanks so much for your comment. Let me know if you like this - I adore the simplicity and the way it brings out the awesome flavors of the beans or tomatoes.
Ali, so glad you tried this and enjoyed it! I think it is so lovely for summer. I never know how many servings to say it makes because Rob and I sometimes eat it as our main/only dish and can eat all of it. I probably shouldn't admit that...
Zach informed me recently that his favorite vegetable is green beans. Kinda like when he informed me that he loves all lemon desserts and anything with the word crisp or crumble in the title. Oh husbands, always keeping things interesting. I've been pulling recipes for green beans ever since he told me because plain green beans can be such a bore. I've made Amanda Hesser's green beans & walnuts way too many times. I need to change things up, and this recipe looks perfect. Thank you! CANNOT WAIT to see house pictures. So exciting.
Talley, your comment cracks me up. Rob periodically reveals some little tidbit to me that was previously unknown... I guess husbands like to keep us on our toes! I love this dish for its simplicity and how it lets the ingredients shine.
House pictures will come soon... once they wouldn't consist of just moving boxes, stuff that hasn't been put away and general disorganization!
This looks and sounds fantastic. Good luck moving!
Thanks, Katie! The move went as smoothly as can be expected. Let me know if you try the green beans!
Hello Lovely! Used this recipe for a farmy potluck on Sunday. It was a hit. I always forget that I can actually boil the beans. Can't wait to see you SO soon.