This delicious French Green Bean Salad is light, fresh, and full of bold flavor thanks to a garlicky mustard vinaigrette and thinly sliced shallots. It comes together quickly, holds up well in the fridge, and makes an easy (but elegant) side for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
I've been making a version of this French Green Bean Salad for years, and it's hands-down one of the most requested side dishes by friends and family. It's simple, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile, which makes it a go-to for both everyday meals and special occasions.
The dish is delicious served warm right after tossing, but it also holds up beautifully in the fridge, so you can prep it ahead and serve it chilled. I love using wholegrain mustard and shallots in the vinaigrette, but feel free to make it your own, Dijon and red onion work just as well. It pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats, especially salmon, and makes a fantastic lunch or holiday side dish. Whether you're keeping it casual or dressing up the table, this salad fits right in and is also great for snacking on straight from the fridge!
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Equipment
For this recipe you will need something to steam your green beans in. I typically use the insert in my Our Place pan.
This steamer basket also works great. Sometimes you can purchase green beans that can steam in the bag. If that's the case it's a good option, though I tend to prefer the texture of steaming it on the stove or an electric steamer.
Ingredients
- Green beans: I like using french style string beans.
- Shallot: Shallots have a really lovely mild flavor. But you can substitute with a finely diced red onion.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic works best in this recipe. I don't recommend using jarred, pre-minced garlic.
- Capers
- Red wine vinaigrette
- Lemon, juice of
- Olive oil: Make sure to use a good quality olive oil.
- Whole grain mustard: I love using wholegrain for this recipe but you can substitute with dijon if preferred.
- Salt & pepper
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this salad with roasted or grilled salmon or my pan seared Crispy Skin Salmon. It's also great to serve with any roast meat or as a holiday side dish that really brightens up the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It's great served warm, but it also holds up really well chilled. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
I do not recommend it. Fresh really does work best for this recipe.
Thinly sliced red onion is a great substitute.
I love wholegrain mustard for texture and flavor, but Dijon works beautifully too. Feel free to use what you have on hand or mix and match.
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Made this French Green Bean Salad recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
French Green Bean Salad
Equipment
- Steaming basket
- large mixing bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb green beans, washed
- 2 tablespoon shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers, minced
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tablespoon whole grain mustard
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine shallot, garlic, capers, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir together and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes. Then whisk in wholegrain mustard and olive oil.
- Steam the green beans for 2-3 minutes until tender crisp, but not soft. Pour the warm green beans into the mixing bowl with the vinaigrette and stir to coat. Allow them to marinate in the vinaigrette for at least 5 minutes before serving. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature. Or chill and refrigerate to serve later. Enjoy!
Vicky
This French green bean salad recipe is a great side dish for a family dinner or picnic. It is the perfect spring recipe.
Kechi
Green beans is one of my favorite recipes and I am always on the look out for new ways to make it. I can't wait to try this, thanks for sharing!
dana
I love green beans so much, and this is such a great way to enjoy them! So refreshing and tangy!
Alice
I love this green bean salad. I didn't have any capers so used chopped up a little jalapeño chilli instead and it was delicious. It's now a favourite. Thank you.
jamjarkitchen
So glad you liked it! The jalapeño sounds delicious!
Liz
I'm always looking for new side dish recipes and this bean salad was so easy and delicious!!
Lora
I made this and it was so bright and elegant, the kind of simple dish that tastes like it came from a little café in France. The garlicky mustard vinaigrette and shallots give it that bold, layered flavor I absolutely love.
Bella
French green bean salad is delicious; the crunchiness of the beans remained in all bites. Thanks for sharing this.
Gaby
Made this French green bean salad and it turned out great! Fresh, simple, and perfect as a light side.
jamjarkitchen
So glad you liked the recipe!
Lathiya
This salad is delicious with refreshing flavors. I served it with grilled chicken and everyone loved it.