Brighten up your table with this vibrant Green Beans and Tomatoes in a Pesto Vinaigrette, a delightful combination of crisp-tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade pesto dressing. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and features bold Mediterranean flavors with creamy basil pesto, tangy red wine vinegar, and aromatic garlic. Perfect as a light side dish or a refreshing salad, it's topped with optional toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. Serve it freshly made or lightly chilled for a versatile dish that's ideal for weeknights or summer gatherings. Cleverly simple and bursting with fresh produce, this recipe is a healthy and flavorful crowd-pleaser! Keywords: green bean salad, pesto vinaigrette, Mediterranean side dish, summer salad recipe.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, prepare a bowl of ice water.
Trim the ends off the green beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
To prepare the pesto vinaigrette, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and grated garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans and halved cherry tomatoes.
Pour the pesto vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated.
If using, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the dish before serving.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving for a slightly cooler dish.
Calories |
759 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.7 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 1996 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.9 g | ||
| Protein | 17.5 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 360 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1818 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.