Lemon-Dill Refreshing Green Bean Salad
Elevate your vegetable intake with this vibrant Lemon-Dill Refreshing Green Bean Salad. Featuring crisp, fresh green beans that are steamed to perfection and tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, this dish strikes a delightful balance between freshness and flavor. The combination of bright lemon juice, fragrant dill, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a tangy dressing that perfectly complements the green beans. This versatile recipe can be served chilled for a refreshing salad or warm as a side dish to your favorite entrees. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that will have even the pickiest of eaters asking for seconds!
4
Servings
43
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
1 lb (trimmed)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (zested)
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried dill))
olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by filling a large saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, place the trimmed green beans in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam for about 7 minutes, or until the green beans are bright green and tender but still crisp.
3
While the green beans are steaming, prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. Once the green beans are cooked, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Leave them in the ice bath for a few minutes before draining thoroughly.
4
In a separate small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Whisk together until well blended to create a zesty dressing.
5
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained green beans. Pour the dressing over the green beans and gently toss to coat the beans evenly in the vinaigrette.
6
Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or warm as a delightful side dish. Enjoy your Lemon-Dill Refreshing Green Bean Salad!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon-Dill Refreshing Green Bean Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring crisp green beans steamed and tossed in a zesty lemon, dill, and Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 43 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
This recipe provides 1g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 6 total ingredients: green beans, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
How long should I steam the green beans?
Steam the green beans for about 7 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Why should I use an ice water bath?
The ice bath halts the cooking process immediately to preserve the vibrant color and crisp texture of the beans.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1.5 teaspoons of dried dill for 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped dill.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm as a side dish or chilled as a refreshing salad.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is suitable for a vegan diet.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much lemon zest is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
The Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
What equipment is needed for steaming?
You will need a large saucepan with a lid and a steamer basket.
How much water should I use to steam the beans?
Fill the saucepan with about 1 inch of water.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed before starting the steaming process.
Is this recipe a good choice for meal prep?
Yes, it is a healthy and versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is zesty, bright, and fresh due to the lemon and dill.
How do I ensure the beans don't get mushy?
Monitor the steaming time to 7 minutes and use an ice bath immediately after.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there are no added sugars in this recipe.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While lemon is traditional for this flavor profile, lime could be used as a citrus alternative.
How do I combine the dressing?
Whisk the lemon juice, zest, dill, olive oil, and mustard together in a separate small bowl.
Is this a spring recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a spring recipe due to its light and fresh ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, though the base recipe focuses on green beans, it is versatile enough to accommodate additions.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe serves 4 people, and the nutritional info is calculated per serving.
Is this a kid-friendly vegetable dish?
The description mentions it is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters usually enjoy.