May 8, 2024

Tarragon Green Bean Salad

Tarragon Green Bean Salad resize

Green beans – get ’em while they’re hot!  Or cold.  They’re in season now, so green beans are cheap and plentiful.  My husband likes them best splashed with olive oil and roasted in the oven, but sometimes you don’t want to heat up the house.  For a yummy, summery green bean dish that’s delicious warm or cold, try this Tarragon Green Bean Salad!

Fresh herbs are a joy, and this recipe uses parsley, tarragon, and green onions.  Technically this may be a green goddess salad dressing, and it IS wonderful on a salad with fresh tomatoes.  You will have enough dressing left over to do just that!  Make the dressing while the beans are cooking and this recipe is ready in a snap.  Let’s go!

Tarragon Green Bean Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch squeeze of anchovy paste or one small anchovy fillet (you can sub soy sauce if you must)
  • 1 fist full of parsley
  • 1 fist full of tarragon leaves
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt (or sub sour cream)
  • juice of 1 lemon (or sub tarragon vinegar, if you’re fancy!)

Directions:

  1. Prep the green beans:  cut off tops and tails and cut the beans into 1-inch pieces.  Put the beans in a covered dish with some water and cover.  Microwave for about six minutes.  You want the beans tender-crisp.
  2. While the beans are steaming, make the dressing:  Blend all the rest of the ingredients in a food processor.  It doesn’t have to be homogeneously smooth, but you don’t want to bite down on a big chunk of garlic!
  3. To serve:  Toss the beans in half of the dressing.  Serve warm, or refrigerate until ready to serve.  It’s great cold too, especially with grilled meats.  Serve the leftover dressing with salad and tomatoes, or use it as a dip for carrots and peppers.

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana


To view even more of Dana’s unique recipe, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet!

Dijon Dill Green Beans

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If I remember correctly, this is a recipe from the South Beach Diet book.   In any case, regardless of origin, these Dijon Dill Green Beans are delicious and healthy…and sure to please!

The Dijon dill dressing is very light and won’t hide the sweetness of the green beans.  I’ve used both dried dill and fresh, and they both taste great, so don’t fret or make a trip to the store if you only have dried.  Low-carb, low-cal, and tasty for sure, this veggie side will taste great with whatever main dish you’re making tonight!

Dijon Dill Green Beans

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound green beans, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or one scant teaspoon dried dill)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • squeeze of lemon, optional

Directions:

  1. Prepare the green beans:  (If using fresh, take off the ends and cut into 2-inch lengths.)  Steam or microwave the beans until they are still a little firm.
  2. While the beans are cooking, heat a large pan over medium and add the butter and dill.  Stir to keep the dill from burning and cook for a few minutes until the butter is bubbly and starting to brown.  Add the Dijon mustard and salt and pepper.
  3. Drain away any excess water from the beans, then add to the dill mixture.  Stir to coat the beans, then serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or another pinch of salt.

Leftovers?  I ate mine cold, with a can of tuna mixed in and (surprise!) a little more lemon juice squeezed over the top.  Yum!

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana


To view even more of Dana’s unique recipe, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet!