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Rocket, Potato, and Green Bean Salad with Walnut Dressing

This vibrant potato and green bean salad with walnut dressing is a wonderful example of a sophisticated vegetarian side dish that works just as well as a light main. The combination of earthy potatoes and crisp, blanched haricots verts provides a satisfying texture, while the peppery baby rocket adds a fresh, seasonal bite. It is an elegant way to elevate simple garden vegetables into something truly special.

The star of the dish is the creamy walnut dressing, which uses low-fat yoghurt and nutty walnut oil to create a rich flavour without being overly heavy. Touches of Dijon mustard and white-wine vinegar provide a sharp finish that cuts through the starch of the potatoes. Serve this salad warm or at room temperature alongside some crusty bread for a healthy, homemade lunch.

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Ingredients for Rocket, Potato, and Green Bean Salad with Walnut Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons plain low-fat yoghurt

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 50g walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons walnut oil

  • 675g fingerling potatoes, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

  • 170g haricots verts or other green beans, trimmed

  • 90g baby rocket

  1. Whisk together vinegar, yoghurt, mustard, and the toasted nuts in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add walnut oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified.

  2. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to a colander to drain. Return pan of water to a boil.

  3. Prepare an ice-water bath. Add green beans to boiling water and cook until tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and cut into 2-inch pieces.

  4. Arrange rocket, potatoes, and green beans on a platter. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing, toss to coat, and 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.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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