5-Minute Green Bean Vinaigrette Salad

Name: 5-Minute Green Bean Vinaigrette Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 12 oz. package green beans, steamed; 4 slices turkey bacon (cooked, chopped); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

by Trish James // September 24, 2014 (last updated September 20, 2021)

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Bento box filled with green bean salad, apple slices, hummus and pita on green wood background

Green beans get a tangy makeover with this simple recipe. It packs a punch of flavor that will liven up lunchboxes, dinner or cookouts.

Growing up, this green bean salad was often my mom’s go-to potluck dish for parties. She would use rice wine vinegar when she made it in the spring and summer but would switch to Balsamic vinegar when making it for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

When I started making it, my boys loved it and I realized it would be a great item to add to their lunchboxes.

You can quickly steam fresh green beans in a glass, microwave-safe dish (with a lid) by adding a splash of water and cooking for 4 – 5 minutes.

Nutrition Tip: Whatever your thing is – sports, music, writing, teaching – you’ll do better with extra iron in your diet. Green beans are a good source of iron which helps you do your best.

This recipe is easy to customize to your family’s taste. Here are some good substitutions:

Make it meatless. Use sunflower seeds in place of bacon or add chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
Switch up the veggies or cheese. Mix and match veggies and cheeses while still using the same vinaigrette. Try the delicious combo of asparagus, prosciutto, and goat cheese or add cooked and quartered red potatoes for a quick, healthy potato salad.
Vinegar. We love it with either rice wine vinegar or Balsamic vinegar.

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