French Green Bean Salad
A vibrant green bean salad with sweet peas, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinegar dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, salad oil, white vinegar, water, black pepper, and paprika until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and pimentos.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your French Green Bean Salad, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can replace half of the salad oil with Greek yogurt. For a crunchier texture, add some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. This salad can also be made with fresh green beans if you prefer a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Green Bean Salad as a refreshing side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is a great addition to a potluck spread. You might also enjoy it alongside dishes like Heavenly Hash Sweet Potato Salad or Byrdie'S Grape-Nuts Salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, you can microwave it briefly or serve it cold. This salad is delicious served cold, maintaining its crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Green Bean Salad contains roughly 557 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can add a wonderful crunch and flavor to the salad. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This will help preserve their vibrant color and texture.
How long can I keep this salad in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, but if the vegetables start to lose their crunch, it's best to eat it sooner. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this French Green Bean Salad is suitable for vegan diets as it does not contain any animal products. The dressing is made with salad oil and vinegar, making it a perfect choice for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).