Anabelle Mclean Fresh, crisp, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Ina Garten’s French String Bean Salad is the perfect addition to any meal. With tender green beans, a simple vinaigrette, and a few classic ingredients, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare.
What is Ina Garten French String Bean Salad?
This French String Bean Salad is a classic Barefoot Contessa recipe, featuring tender-crisp green beans (haricots verts), red onions, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a light Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It’s a delightful balance of texture and flavor, ideal for picnics, dinner parties, or weeknight meals.
Other Salad Recipes
Reasons to Try Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Quick to Make: This salad comes together in just 20-25 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for entertaining, simple enough for everyday meals.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: The flavors deepen as it rests, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Haricots verts (French string beans) – 1 pound, trimmed
- Red onion – ½ small, thinly sliced
- Toasted walnuts or almonds – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
- White wine vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the string beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, sliced red onion, and toasted nuts.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Roasted Chicken: Complements the salad’s fresh, tangy flavors.
- Grilled Fish: Pairs beautifully with the crisp green beans.
- Quiche or Savory Tarts: A light and flavorful side.
- Rice Pilaf or Couscous: Adds heartiness to your plate.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: Blanching keeps them tender yet crisp.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: It enhances the flavor of the vinaigrette.
- Toast the Nuts for Depth: Toasted nuts bring a warm, nutty flavor to the salad.
- Slice Onions Thinly: Red onions can be strong; thin slices balance their flavor.
- Let It Rest for a Bit: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: A burst of color and sweetness.
- Include Crumbled Cheese: Goat cheese or feta adds a creamy element.
- Swap the Nuts: Try pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique twist.
- Use Lemon Juice: Replace white wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
- Add Protein: Toss in boiled eggs or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Stays fresh for up to 2 days.
- Keep Dressing Separate for Longer Storage: Toss with the dressing just before serving to preserve texture.
- Avoid Freezing: Green beans lose their crispness when frozen.
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten French String Bean Salad
- Best Served Cold or at Room Temperature: This salad doesn’t need reheating.
- Revive with Fresh Dressing: If refrigerated for a while, drizzle with a bit more dressing before serving.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~180 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fats: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: ~15% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: ~25% of the daily value
- Iron: ~10% of the daily value
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s French String Bean Salad is a timeless recipe that embodies simplicity and elegance. With its fresh, vibrant ingredients and tangy dressing, it’s a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your guests or family. Give this quick and versatile recipe a try, and bring a touch of the French countryside to your table!
PrintIna Garten French String Bean Salad
This French String Bean Salad is a classic Barefoot Contessa recipe, featuring tender-crisp green beans (haricots verts), red onions, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a light Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It’s a delightful balance of texture and flavor, ideal for picnics, dinner parties, or weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blanching and Mixing
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Haricots verts (French string beans) – 1 pound, trimmed
- Red onion – ½ small, thinly sliced
- Toasted walnuts or almonds – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
- White wine vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the string beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, sliced red onion, and toasted nuts.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
