Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing potato, olive, and green bean salad. Packed with healthy greens, hearty potatoes, and tangy olives, this dish is a wonderful addition to any meal or can be enjoyed on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
The main ingredients—potatoes, green beans, and olives—are common in most households. However, the recipe calls for new potatoes, which can be smaller and waxier than regular potatoes. They should be available in most supermarkets, but if not, you can substitute them with any small potato variety. Similarly, if black olives are too tangy for your taste, feel free to substitute with green or kalamata olives.
Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad Ingredients
New potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes hold their shape well in salads and have a more subtle flavor than other varieties.
Green beans: Bright and crunchy, green beans add a nice contrasting texture to the salad.
Black olives: They offer a deep, salty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Balsamic vinegar: It lends a tangy sweetness to the salad, highlighting the flavors of the other components.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the dressing, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Scallions: Their mild onion flavor brings a touch of sharpness to balance out the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables and olives.
One reader, Alfi Southard says:
This potato, olive, and green bean salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, and the olives bring a burst of saltiness. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making This Salad Recipe
How to cook the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 25 to 30 minutes until they are tender.
How to cook the green beans: Boil the green beans in a separate pot for 6 to 7 minutes until they are tender, then drain and run them under cold water.
How to prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How to mix the salad: Add the cooked potatoes, green beans, scallions, and olives to the dressing and mix well.
How to serve: Serve the potato, olive, and green bean salad at room temperature and enjoy!
How To Make Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad
Enjoy a freshly flavored bowl of green bean salad for your next grill out! It works as a tasteful side dish to any grilled dish of choice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbnew potatoes,about 10 peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1lbgreen beans,ends trimmed
- 2¼ozblack olives,sliced and drained
- ¼cupbalsamic vinegar
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- 3scallions,chopped
- 1tspkosher salt and fresh black pepper
Instructions
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Cook the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 25 to 30 minutes, until tender.
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In a second pot, cover the green beans with water, then boil for 6 to 7 minutes until the beans are tender.
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Drain them quickly, then run the green beans under cold water.
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When the potatoes are cooked, drain them.
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In a large bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, oil, salt and pepper.
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Add the potatoes, green beans, scallions and olives. Mix well.
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Serve at room temperature, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 107.75kcal
- Fat: 5.22g
- Saturated Fat: 0.73g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.71g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.59g
- Carbohydrates: 14.21g
- Fiber: 2.60g
- Sugar: 2.56g
- Protein: 2.00g
- Sodium: 203.48mg
- Calcium: 30.81mg
- Potassium: 338.47mg
- Iron: 1.15mg
- Vitamin A: 16.23µg
- Vitamin C: 16.53mg
Helpful Technique for Ensuring Even Cooking of the Potatoes
When boiling your green beans, it's important not to overcook them. They should be tender but still have a bit of crunch. This not only preserves their vibrant green color, but also their nutritional value. Overcooking can lead to a loss of nutrients. Additionally, immediately rinsing them under cold water after boiling, a process known as blanching, helps to stop the cooking process and retain their color and texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonder: Look for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in one pot to minimize cleanup time.
Invest in tools: Use kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously to save time in the kitchen.
Use leftovers: Repurpose leftovers into new dishes to save time on meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad Recipe
- new potatoes - Substitute with yukon gold potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes have a similar waxy texture and buttery flavor, making them a great substitute for new potatoes in salads.
- green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can provide a similar crunch and vibrant green color to the salad, adding a unique flavor and texture.
- black olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a rich, fruity flavor and a meaty texture, which can add depth to the salad similar to black olives.
How to Beautifully Present This Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, using the vibrant colors of the potatoes, green beans, and olives to create an eye-catching display on the plate.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element by adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and aroma by garnishing the salad with finely chopped parsley or chives, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor profile.
Utilize a stylish serving dish: Present the salad in a chic, modern serving dish that complements the elegance of the dish and showcases the culinary artistry behind the creation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the components of the salad in a symmetrical and balanced manner, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add a pop of color and a delicate, floral touch to the salad, elevating its visual appeal.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the salad to stand out and become the focal point of the dish, enhancing its overall visual impact.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Salad
- Large pot: Used for boiling the potatoes.
- Second pot: Used for boiling the green beans.
- Colander: Used for draining the cooked potatoes and green beans.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: Used for combining the balsamic vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper.
Tips for Storing and Freezing Leftover Salad
This potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep.
If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to do so before adding the balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing. Place the cooked and cooled potatoes, green beans, scallions, and olives in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to serve the frozen salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the dressing and mix well. You may need to adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste, as freezing can sometimes affect the flavor.
If you have leftover salad that's already been dressed, you can still freeze it, but the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. The potatoes might become a bit softer, and the green beans may lose some of their crunch. However, the overall flavor should still be delicious.
To maintain the best quality, consume the frozen potato salad within 2-3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date of freezing so you can keep track of how long it's been stored.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad
Reheat the potato, olive, and green bean salad in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes on high power, stirring halfway through. This method is quick and easy, but may result in slightly softer potatoes and green beans.
For a crispier texture, reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sauté the salad for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy.
If you prefer a cold salad, simply remove the desired portion from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the olive oil to become more fluid.
To maintain the freshness and texture of the green beans, you can reheat them separately by blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shocking them in ice water. Drain the beans and add them back to the reheated potatoes, olives, and dressing.
For a unique twist, transform the leftover salad into a warm potato hash. Roughly chop the potatoes and green beans, then sauté them in a pan with some olive oil, diced onions, and your favorite herbs. Cook until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, then serve topped with the olives and a drizzle of the remaining balsamic vinegar dressing.
Interesting Trivia About the Ingredients Used in This Recipe
Potato, olive, and green bean salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals, and the combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Is Making Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This potato, olive, and green bean salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, green beans, and olives, are affordable and readily available. The simplicity of the recipe also reduces the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This potato, olive, and green bean salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy, while the green beans offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The olives add healthy monounsaturated fats, and the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil contribute to the overall healthiness of the salad. The scallions provide a mild onion flavor and additional nutrients. The recipe is low in saturated fat and contains no added sugars or processed ingredients.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Add some lean protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it a more complete meal
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to increase the antioxidant content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as fresh basil or smoked paprika, to boost flavor without adding calories
- Use a mix of different types of olives, such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano, to add depth and complexity to the dish
- Replace some of the potatoes with roasted sweet potatoes for added vitamin A and a slightly sweeter taste
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors and Textures of This Salad
This potato, olive, and green bean salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender new potatoes, crisp green beans, and briny olives are perfectly complemented by the tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The simplicity of the ingredients allows their natural flavors to shine, while the scallions add a subtle oniony bite. This salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that would make a wonderful addition to any meal. The balance of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Enhance Your Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Potato, Olive, and Green Bean Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of new potatoes, green beans, and black olives, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish with a rich and tangy taste. The inclusion of scallions adds a refreshing and aromatic element. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients and a simple preparation method, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and flavorful potato, olive, and green bean salad.
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