This green bean salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients — crisp green beans combined with the citrusy tang of sumac, sharpness from shallots, and the aromatic freshness of mint and parsley. Its bright colors and textures make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, ideal for a refreshing side or light lunch.
Perfect for warm weather dining or anytime you want a simple yet elegant dish, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze spread. The tangy sumac dressing gives it a unique Middle Eastern flair, making it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and hard to forget.
Full Recipe:
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500g (1 lb) green beans, trimmed
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large shallot, thinly sliced
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1 teaspoon sumac
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
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Drain the beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color. Drain again and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, sliced shallots, parsley, and mint.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 120 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to the Green Bean Salad with Sumac and Shallots
This green bean salad, inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi’s celebrated approach to Middle Eastern flavors, is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. The key to this dish lies in its balance — the crisp freshness of the green beans is enhanced by the tangy brightness of sumac, the mild sharpness of shallots, and the fragrant lift from fresh herbs like mint and parsley. It’s a refreshing, vibrant salad that works well as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a part of a larger mezze spread.
Why Green Beans?
Green beans are often underestimated as a vegetable, but they offer wonderful texture and nutrition that make them ideal for salads. When cooked properly — just blanched to crisp-tender perfection — they maintain their beautiful green color and a pleasant snap that contrasts well with softer salad ingredients. Beyond their appealing crunch, green beans are low in calories but high in vitamins such as A, C, and K, as well as important minerals and dietary fiber. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
The Magic of Sumac
Sumac is a lesser-known spice outside of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking but deserves much wider recognition. It’s made from dried and ground berries of the sumac shrub, offering a tangy, lemony flavor that is less sharp than lemon juice but more complex and earthy. In this salad, sumac acts as the star flavoring agent in the dressing, adding a subtle acidity that complements the natural sweetness of the beans and the pungent shallots. Its unique tartness helps brighten the dish and adds a depth that elevates it far beyond an ordinary green bean salad.
The Role of Shallots and Fresh Herbs
The thinly sliced shallots bring a mild onion flavor that is sweet rather than overpowering, adding a layer of complexity without overwhelming the freshness of the vegetables. When paired with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, the salad gains aromatic qualities that balance the citrusy tang of sumac. Parsley contributes a clean, slightly peppery flavor, while mint lends a cooling freshness that livens up each bite. These herbs also add vibrant color, making the salad visually appealing as well as delicious.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Aspects
This salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. Its ingredients are whole foods, free from additives, making it an excellent choice for clean eating. The fiber content from the green beans helps with digestion and supports sustained energy levels. Olive oil in the dressing provides heart-healthy fats, and the acidity from lemon juice and sumac can aid in nutrient absorption.
Because it’s light yet flavorful, this salad works well as part of a balanced diet. It’s low in calories but high in essential vitamins and antioxidants, making it a smart choice for those seeking to maintain or lose weight without feeling deprived. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh herbs not only enhances flavor but also boosts the antioxidant profile of the dish.
Versatility and Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this green bean salad is its versatility. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, which makes it easy to prepare in advance and enjoy later. This feature is particularly useful for busy home cooks or for entertaining guests.
The salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. It complements grilled meats, fish, or roasted chicken perfectly, providing a fresh and tangy counterpoint to rich or smoky flavors. It can also be served alongside other vegetarian dishes, roasted vegetables, or grains for a wholesome, balanced meal. Because of its Middle Eastern flavor profile, it fits seamlessly into a mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and flatbreads.
Seasonal Adaptability
While this salad shines brightest in spring and summer when green beans are at their freshest, it can be adapted year-round by using frozen green beans if fresh ones are unavailable. The other ingredients — sumac, shallots, herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice — are pantry or garden staples for many cooks, which means this recipe is accessible and easy to prepare anytime.
You can also customize the salad to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, adding toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or pine nuts introduces crunch and richness, while a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a drizzle of tahini can add creaminess and depth.
Cultural and Culinary Context
Ottolenghi’s recipes often celebrate the vibrant culinary traditions of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with bold spices and herbs. This green bean salad exemplifies that philosophy perfectly. Sumac, in particular, is a beloved spice in these cuisines, often used to flavor salads, meats, and even breads.
The dish encourages an appreciation for simple, fresh ingredients prepared with care. It highlights how traditional flavors can be adapted for modern cooking, appealing to food lovers who enjoy both authenticity and ease.
Tips for Making the Salad Perfect
To make this salad truly stand out, pay attention to a few key details. First, don’t overcook the green beans; they should remain crisp and vibrant. Using ice water immediately after boiling helps retain their color and texture. Second, slice the shallots as thinly as possible to avoid overpowering bites. Finally, adjust the dressing seasoning to your taste, balancing the acidity and saltiness so that every bite is perfectly bright and flavorful.
Environmental and Sustainability Notes
Choosing fresh, seasonal vegetables like green beans supports sustainable eating habits. Green beans typically have a lower environmental footprint compared to many other vegetables, especially when grown locally. Incorporating fresh herbs and simple dressings avoids processed ingredients, reducing waste and reliance on packaged foods.
Making salads like this one at home encourages a connection to natural ingredients and mindful eating, both of which are essential components of sustainable food practices.
Conclusion
This Crunchy Green Bean Salad with Sumac and Shallots is a shining example of how fresh, straightforward ingredients can transform into a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture. Its balance of tangy sumac, crisp green beans, sweet shallots, and fragrant herbs creates a refreshing and elegant salad perfect for any occasion. Beyond being delicious, it is healthy, easy to make, and versatile — qualities that make it a staple recipe for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Whether served as a side dish to a grilled feast, a light lunch on a warm day, or part of an exotic mezze spread, this salad delivers a memorable eating experience. It’s a celebration of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, nutrition, and simplicity that invites everyone to enjoy clean, fresh, and vibrant food. Adding this recipe to your collection means you have a reliable go-to that will impress guests and nourish your body all year round.