This recipe for Green Bean Salad with Bacon showcases sautéed green beans infused with garlic, accompanied by smoky bacon and cherry tomatoes. It’s destined to be a favorite at any gathering.
Complement it with my Thanksgiving turkey recipe and simple turkey gravy!
Recipe Details
This Green Bean Salad might be the most flavorful salad I’ve tasted. If you’re a bacon enthusiast, this dish will surely delight you. It also requires minimal effort, and it may even enhance in flavor as it sits, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.
- TASTE: The bacon imparts a robust, smoky essence, while the tomatoes contribute sweetness, and the green beans deliver a delightful garlic flavor.
- TEXTURE: Crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the juicy tomatoes and the slightly crunchy green beans.
- TIME: Preparation takes only 25 minutes.
- EASE: This quick salad requires minimal prep and still tastes fabulous the next day.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for this salad.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most robust flavor.
- Frozen green beans: These maintain the ideal texture and are a convenient option.
- Cherry tomatoes: These contribute a juicy sweetness that balances the salty bacon.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add feta cheese: Feta adds a delightful salty, briny flavor that’s delicious. Crumble a block of whole feta for optimal taste.
- Substitute other tomatoes: Grape or chopped Roma tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes.
- Add vinegar: For an extra burst of flavor, balsamic or red wine vinegar can be incorporated.
- Add Dijon mustard: Mixing tangy Dijon with lemon juice or vinegar creates a flavorful dressing.
How to Make Green Bean Salad with Bacon
- Prep the ingredients. Chop the bacon and onion, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the bacon. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and bacon on high until golden and slightly crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking on medium-high heat until the onion turns translucent.
- Toss in the green beans. Incorporate the frozen green beans and stir until they begin to soften.
- Finish with the seasonings and tomatoes. Add salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Stir for an additional 2-3 minutes before removing from heat. Serve.
Pro Tip: Be cautious not to over-stir, as this can make the tomatoes mushy.
Recipe Tips
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Ensuring the bacon achieves a crispy texture is vital for the salad’s consistency.
- Don’t rush the onions. Sautéing onions until they are translucent allows their natural sweetness to emerge, enriching the salad.
- Don’t defrost the green beans. Keeping the green beans frozen aids in flavor absorption and helps maintain the correct texture.
- Don’t over stir the salad. After adding the tomatoes, stir gently to avoid making them mushy.
FAQs
What can you put in canned green beans to make them taste better?If using canned green beans for this dish, the combination of smoky bacon, sweet onion, juicy tomatoes, and garlic really enhances the flavors. This Green Bean Salad with Bacon is versatile and can be enjoyed either hot or cold, according to your preference, and can be refrigerated for later use.
This salad is versatile, complementing a variety of proteins, other salads, soups, or side dishes, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Prepping this salad ahead of time is possible; it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, freezing is not advisable due to potential changes in the texture of the tomatoes and green beans. If you’re seeking more delicious sides for Thanksgiving, consider dishes such as Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, or Buttermilk Cornbread. The Green Bean Salad with Bacon recipe highlights sautéed, garlicky green beans paired with smoky bacon and cherry tomatoes, which is sure to impress any gathering.
Diet:Gluten Free Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
8 Calories:
204
kcal
Ingredients
-
1
tbsp
olive oil -
10
oz
Bacon
about 1 cup chopped -
1/2
onion
1 cup chopped -
2
garlic cloves
minced -
2
14 oz pkgs. frozen green beans -
salt and pepper to taste
1
10 oz tub cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and onion, then mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and bacon over high heat for about 4 minutes, or until the bacon turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Incorporate the onion and garlic, cooking on medium-high heat until the onion is translucent.
- Introduce the frozen green beans, stirring until they soften, which should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Mix in the salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then take off the heat. Be careful not to stir excessively, as it may cause the tomatoes to become mushy.
Nutrition
Calories:
204
kcal
