Potato and green bean salad how to make it perfect

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There’s something about a bowl of potato and green bean salad that takes me right back to family picnics under the big oak tree. My mom used to toss it together on lazy Sundays the smell of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs filling the air. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like comfort itself. And believe it or not, that same simple combination still brings everyone to the table faster than any roast dinner could.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s light yet satisfying perfect for warm days when you crave freshness without the heaviness.
Works for everyone: vegan, vegetarian, or meat lovers can all tweak it easily.
Can be served warm or cold, and it tastes even better the next day (yes, really).
The dressing is tangy, garlicky, and addictive you’ll find yourself licking the spoon.

Ingredients List

You’ll need:

potato and green bean salad ingredients: potatoes, shallots, red onion, green beans, lemon, parsley, spices, olive oil, and peeled garlic. All set on a wooden cutting board, ready for preparation.

Potatoes – Use waxy ones like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold shape well and don’t fall apart. (Avoid floury ones they turn to mush, trust me.)
Green beans – Fresh, crisp, and vibrant. Trim the ends and blanch them so they stay bright green.
Red onion – Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that balances the creamy potatoes.
Olive oil – Go for extra virgin if you can. It brings that peppery, smooth flavor.
Lemon juice or Dijon mustard – Either adds a pop of acidity that lifts everything.
Garlic – Because salad without garlic feels incomplete, right?
Fresh herbs – Parsley or dill works wonders. Fresh herbs make this dish come alive.
Salt and pepper – The simplest yet most powerful duo in your kitchen.

Optional Add-ins

Cherry tomatoes for extra color.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess.
Hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost.
Or toss in grilled chicken or tuna to make it a full meal.

What is potato and green bean salad

Potato and green bean salad is that humble, homey dish that somehow feels both fresh and comforting. Imagine tender potatoes mixed with crisp green beans, all tossed in a garlicky lemon dressing that wakes up your taste buds. It’s the kind of simple, honest food you share at picnics or when you just need a little sunshine on your plate.

Timing

Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: around 30–35 minutes

How to Make potato and green bean salad

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

potatoes boiling rapidly in a stainless steel pot of hot, bubbling water on a stove.

Cut your potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in salted boiling water and cook until just tender about 10 minutes. Don’t overdo it; mushy potatoes will ruin the texture.
(Pro tip: Stick a fork in one. If it slides out easily, you’re done.)

Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans

Vibrant green beans are being blanched in a stainless steel pot of actively boiling water on a stovetop

In another pot, boil water and toss in your trimmed green beans. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes max, then plunge them into ice water. That shock locks in their bright green color and crisp bite. Quite frankly, that’s what makes the salad look stunning.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Small bowl, mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and pepper

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake it like you mean it (or whisk if that’s more your thing). Taste it does it make your mouth water a little? Perfect.

Step 4: Combine Everything

finished potato and green bean salad in a cream-colored bowl. It's tossed with red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley, seasoned with pepper.

Now, in your large bowl, mix the drained potatoes and green beans with the sliced red onions. Pour the dressing over while everything’s still slightly warm it helps the flavors sink in. Toss gently so the potatoes don’t break apart.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Optional Goodies

Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Add feta, cherry tomatoes, or boiled eggs if you like. Give it one last toss.
To be honest with you, I sometimes just eat it straight from the bowl standing in the kitchen. It’s that good.

Professional Cooking Tips

Don’t skip the salt in the boiling water – It seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
Dress the salad while warm – Warm ingredients absorb flavors better.
Use a mix of olive oil and vinegar – It adds complexity to the dressing.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving – flavors blend beautifully.
Double the batch – it tastes even better the next day. (Apparently, magic happens overnight.)

How to Serve potato and green bean salad

Here’s where it gets fun. A potato and green bean salad is ridiculously versatile.

Serve it warm, topped with grilled salmon or steak for a dinner that looks fancier than it is.
Keep it cold and pack it for a picnic or work lunch.
Pair it with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.
Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch almonds or walnuts are perfect.
Or keep it minimal and let the natural flavors shine.

How to Store and Reheat

To store potato and green bean salad, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge it stays fresh for up to three days. If it thickens, drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 20–30 seconds just enough to revive its flavors, not cook it again.

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Nutritional Information

based on 6 servings

Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Vitamin C: About 30% of your daily value

Potato and green bean salad an easy and effective method with no mistakes

By Nancy

Want a refreshing dish for picnics? Potato and green bean salad is light, zesty, and crowd-pleasing. Discover the easy recipe now.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 6

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

Potatoes
Green beans
Red onion
Olive oil
Lemon juice or Dijon mustard
Garlic
Fresh herbs
Salt and pepper