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Herbed Bean Salad

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant herbed bean salad is a celebration of seasonal produce, combining tender green beans and golden wax beans for a striking contrast in colour and texture. It is a light, vegan-friendly side dish that relies on quality ingredients, with the sweetness of the beans perfectly balanced by the sharp acidity of red wine vinegar and the subtle pungency of minced shallots.

Ideal for summer entertaining or as a fresh accompaniment to a hearty Sunday roast, this salad is incredibly simple to prepare. The addition of hand-torn basil provides a fragrant, aromatic finish that elevates the earthy flavours of the legumes. For the best results, ensure the beans are dried thoroughly after blanching to allow the olive oil dressing to coat them perfectly.

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Ingredients for Herbed Bean Salad

  • 675g tender green beans, stem ends snapped

  • 675g tender wax beans, stem ends snapped

  • 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablebspoons red-wine vinegar

  • 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves

How to make Herbed Bean Salad

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry. Place in a large bowl.

  2. Toss with the shallots and oil. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Just before serving, toss beans with the vinegar. Toss with the basil. Serve.

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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