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Green Bean Salad with Citrus Dressing
Bright, crisp, and full of flavor, this chilled green bean salad is easy to prep, big on citrusy zing, and perfect with anything from roast chicken to summer cookouts!
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Servings: 6
Calories: 237kcal
Equipment
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Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh green beans trimmed and blanched
- 2 navel oranges segmented
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
For the Citrus Honey Dressing:
- ¼ small red onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, shake together the red onion, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, chives, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Blanch the Green Beans:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer large bowl.
Marinate the Green Beans:
- Drizzle the dressing over the warm, blanched green beans, toss gently to combine.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for 4 hours or longer.
Finish & Serve:
- Before serving, add the orange segments and pomegranate arils, toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts, and serve immediately.
Notes
Customizations:
•Dairy-Free? Swap blue cheese for avocado or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
•Nut-Free? Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
•Add Protein? Grilled chicken or seared salmon would complement this salad beautifully.
•Make it a Meal? Serve over quinoa, farro, or wild rice for a heartier dish.
Wine Pairings:
For this Orange & Blue Cheese Green Bean Salad with Toasted Walnuts, you’ll want a wine that balances the creamy, tangy blue cheese, the bright citrus, and the earthy walnuts while complementing the freshness of the greens. Here are a few fantastic pairings:
White Wines:
•Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc (like those from New Zealand or Sancerre) will enhance the citrus and cut through the richness of the blue cheese.
•Viognier – A slightly fuller-bodied white with floral and stone fruit notes, Viognier can complement the orange and balance the saltiness of the cheese.
•Chenin Blanc – A dry or off-dry Chenin Blanc (like those from Loire Valley or South Africa) has vibrant acidity and stone fruit flavors that pair beautifully with the salad’s contrasting elements.
Sparkling Wines:
•Brut Champagne or Sparkling Wine – The effervescence and acidity of a Brut Champagne or Cava cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the freshness of the dish.
Rosé:
•Dry Rosé – A well-balanced dry rosé (Provence-style) with bright berry notes and acidity will play well with the citrus and blue cheese while adding a refreshing contrast.
Light Red Wines (if you prefer red):
•Pinot Noir – A light-bodied Pinot Noir with bright acidity and red fruit notes won’t overpower the delicate flavors but will still complement the earthiness of the walnuts and blue cheese.
•Gamay (Beaujolais-Villages or Cru Beaujolais) – A fresh, juicy Gamay with light tannins and a touch of spice will contrast nicely with the tangy cheese and citrus while bringing out the nuttiness of the walnuts.
Final Pick: If I had to choose just one, I’d go with a Sauvignon Blanc—its bright acidity, citrus notes, and minerality will tie the salad together perfectly. But if you’re feeling celebratory, a Brut Champagne would be an elegant and versatile choice!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 351mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.