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Green Beans with Sweet Onion Vinaigrette

This vibrant vegetable side dish of green beans with sweet onion vinaigrette offers a sophisticated twist on a classic greens recipe. By lightly blanching the beans before refreshing them in iced water, you ensure they retain their bright colour and a satisfyingly crisp texture. The dressing, featuring grainy Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar, provides a sharp, savoury contrast to the natural sweetness of the onion, making it a versatile accompaniment to almost any main course.

As a naturally vegan dish, this recipe is an excellent choice for inclusive entertaining or healthy midweek meals. The combination of fresh flat-leaf parsley and extra-virgin olive oil adds a Mediterranean flair that feels both light and nourishing. Serve it at room temperature as part of a plant-based spread for a fresh, seasonal addition to your dinner table.

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Ingredients for Green Beans with Sweet Onion Vinaigrette

  • 240ml finely chopped sweet onion

  • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard

  • 1.1kg green beans, trimmed

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to make Green Beans with Sweet Onion Vinaigrette

Stir together onion, vinegar, mustard, 3/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a large bowl. Marinate about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook beans in a large pot of well-salted boiling water, uncovered, until just tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a large ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.

Whisk oil and parsley into onion mixture, then toss with beans.

Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel '07 or Château de Chamirey Mercurey Rouge '07

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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