Two summer veggies combine for a light, healthy summer salad. Mix up a simple vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and shallots. Pour it over crisp blanched green beans and sweet halved cherry tomatoes, stir in some parsley, and serve with Grilled Rib Steaks, Grilled Salmon, a Leg of Lamb, or a Whole Grilled Bass.

Game plan: This salad can be made up to 2 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Toss briefly to recombine the flavors just prior to serving.

Watch Blake Smith demonstrate the fastest way to slice cherry tomatoes in this episode of our CHOW Tips video series.

  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 40 mins 

Ingredients (9)

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot (from about 1 medium shallot)
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
  • 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3 medium lemons)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
  • 2 pints (1 pound) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves and stems

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and water; set aside. Meanwhile, make the dressing.
  2. Place the shallot, lemon zest, and measured salt and pepper in a medium, nonreactive bowl and add the lemon juice. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oil and whisk until evenly combined. Set the dressing aside.
  3. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared ice water bath. When the beans are chilled, drain again and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Place the beans, tomatoes, and parsley in a large bowl, pour in the dressing, and toss to coat thoroughly. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.