Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

Freshly cooked, vibrant green beans glisten amid a medley of tender baby red potatoes, while the sharp aroma of lemon and fragrant dill wafts through the air. This is not just any salad; it’s a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that elevate your meal effortlessly. When cravings strike for something light yet satisfying, this Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette comes to the rescue.

Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

Perfectly pairing the buttery softness of potatoes with the crisp snap of haricot verts, this dish offers delightful contrasts that make every bite an experience. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. And the best part? You can whip it up without a fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy those you love. Give it a try, and watch as it becomes a cherished staple on your table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Prepping and cooking this salad takes just about 75 minutes total, making it a breeze for busy weeknights.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The zesty lemon and fresh dill create a sensational dressing that dances on your taste buds.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create a visually stunning dish that impresses anyone you serve it to.
  • Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a hearty lunch main.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets by omitting honey or substituting Dijon mustard.
Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 lbs baby red potatoes: These small potatoes cook quickly and offer a creamy texture. If unavailable, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for similar results.
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning during cooking and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
  • 8 oz haricot verts: These French green beans provide a tender-crisp bite. Regular green beans can also work; just adjust the cooking time.
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sweet, slightly sharp flavor; marinating it briefly in vinegar can mellow the taste if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus ¼ cup fresh juice: The zest delivers intense lemon flavor without extra liquid. Fresh juice is a must for brightness; bottled won’t have the same zing.
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot: Adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering. An additional key for balanced taste.
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: This acidity brightens the vinaigrette; apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a delicious tang; substitutions include whole grain mustard for a different texture.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for seasoning without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh dill, chopped: This herb is the star in both flavor and aroma; substitute with parsley if needed, though the taste will differ.
  • 2 tablespoon thinly sliced chives: Adds a mild onion-like flavor and fresh green color.
  • ⅔ cup olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor and smooth emulsion in the vinaigrette.

How to Make Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

  1. Cook the Potatoes: In a large Dutch oven, bring 3 lbs of quartered baby red potatoes, enough water to cover, and ¼ cup kosher salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low, cooking the potatoes until fork-tender, about 8 minutes. They shouldn’t fall apart; you want them just right.

  2. Add the Haricot Verts: Toss in the 8 oz of trimmed haricot verts and cook for another minute until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

  3. Drain and Chill: Drain the mixture well and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes. For best results, transfer to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap, chilling until you’re ready to use it.

  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced shallot, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Slowly stream in ⅔ cup olive oil while whisking until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.

  5. Combine Components: Gently toss the chilled potato and green bean mixture with about ½ cup of the dressing. Allow it to stand for 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.

  6. Final Touches: Add the ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup of chopped dill, the 2 tablespoons of chives, and the remaining dressing to the bowl. Toss gently to combine everything well.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 3 months. Reheating? Simply warm it gently in a microwave or a saucepan over low heat until just heated through. Keep in mind, however, that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing. To refresh the dish, consider adding a pinch of fresh chives or a squeeze of lemon when serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • The best way to avoid mushy potatoes is to start checking for doneness a minute or two early; they should be tender but hold their shape.
  • For enhanced flavor, let the salad rest longer after adding the dressing, allowing the ingredients to absorb the vinaigrette fully.
  • Use a mix of herbs, such as parsley, alongside dill for added depth. Fresh herbs make all the difference!
  • If you’re prepping this salad for a gathering, you can assemble almost everything ahead of time and just toss in the dressing when ready to serve.

Refreshing and vibrant, this Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette is a delightful welcome to any meal. It uses simple, accessible ingredients to create intriguing flavors that are enjoyable both warm and cold. Serve as a light side dish at your next barbecue or enjoy it as a hearty lunch centerpiece.

Making it your own will only add to its charm, so feel free to swap out herbs or vegetables that reflect your preferences. Watching your loved ones savor each bite will be the cherry on top. Enjoy culinary creativity and have fun experimenting!

Recipe FAQs

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This Green Bean and Potato Salad can last for about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. If you’re noticing any changes in texture, a quick toss with more dressing can help refresh it.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Dijon mustard with a vegan-friendly version and ensure your other ingredients are plant-based. The salad still shines with its bold flavors without any animal products.

What can I substitute for fresh dill?

If you’re out of fresh dill, you can use fresh parsley or chives as an alternative. While they won’t replicate the exact flavor, they will add a nice herbal touch that complements the potatoes and beans.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is indeed suitable for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

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Green-Bean-and-Potato-Salad-with-Lemon-Dill-Vinaigrette-Recipe

Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

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  • Author: Danae
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling and Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Green Bean and Potato Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette combines tender baby red potatoes and crisp haricot verts in a zesty dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, this salad is perfect for a quick and healthy dish that everyone will enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs baby red potatoes, quartered or halved, depending on size
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 8 oz haricot verts, trimmed and cut into 1 ½-in. pieces
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus ¼ cup fresh juice (from 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh dill, chopped and divided
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
  • ⅔ cup olive oil


Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, bring potatoes, water to cover, and ¼ cup of salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for about 8 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not breaking apart.
  2. Add the haricot verts and cook for another minute until tender-crisp.
  3. Drain the vegetables and let them cool completely for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, transfer them to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until required.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot, vinegar, mustard, black pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of chopped dill. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Toss the chilled potato-green bean mixture with ½ cup of the dressing, and let it rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  6. Finally, add the sliced onion, remaining dill, chives, and any additional dressing to taste.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it perfect for gatherings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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