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Cold Italian Green Bean Salad
5 from 45 votes

Cold Italian Green Bean Salad

This Cold Italian Green Bean Salad combines crisp, barely tender green beans with cannellini beans, grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a splash of Italian dressing. Optional toasted nuts add a toasty crunch. The salad offers fresh, bright textures with a balanced tangy, savory flavor governed by the oil-based vinaigrette. It is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature as a light side dish or appetizer.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 110 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian-American Fussion

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces green beans preferably fresh, though frozen can be used (cook according to package instructions, ends trimmed, long ones cut in half or thirds
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup Italian dressing or your favorite oil-based Italian vinaigrette, fat-free
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cannellini beans cooked
  • 6 ounces grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • up to ⅓ cup almond or pine nuts; omit or use seeds for nut-free, sliced, toasted, optional
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add a few inches of water to a large pot or deep saute pan, just enough to cover the green beans. Bring to a boil, and add the green beans. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until bright green and barely fork tender.
  2. Drain the green beans in a colander, then toss while rinsing with cold water to bring down the temperature. Once the green beans are cool, pat dry and transfer to a large bowl. Add red onion and ¼ cup Italian dressing, and toss.
  3. Next add the cannellini beans, tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Taste for seasoning, adding more dressing or salt/pepper, if desired. Serve now, or refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Garnish with nuts before serving.

Notes

  • Best consumed the day it is prepared to maintain vibrant color and texture; leftovers can be refrigerated for another day.
  • For a warm version, toss green beans with dressing while still warm before adding other ingredients.
  • Consider adding vegan feta or plant-based Parmesan for a richer flavor.
  • The salad can be made more filling by adding additional cannellini beans and proteins like tofu, seitan, or vegan chicken strips.
  • Potatoes can be included to bulk up the dish for a heartier light meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories 110kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 3g (5%) Fiber 6g (24%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 110

% Daily Value*

Calories 110kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 3g 5%
Fiber 6g 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.