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Donna R. Luis

Zesty Potato and Green Bean Salad

A fresh and flavorful potato salad made with tender potatoes, crisp green beans, feta, Kalamata olives, capers, and fresh herbs. A zesty lemon-Dijon dressing ties everything together for a bright, savory side dish with plenty of texture and bold flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 lbs baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for the boiling water
  • 1 lb green beans halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives chopped
  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • 3 tablespoons parsley chopped
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the Lemon-Dijon Dressing
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 shallot minced
  • Zest of 1 small lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • Bowl for an ice bath
  • Colander or strainer
  • Small bowl or jar for the dressing
  • Whisk
  • Clean kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, then bring the water to a low boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork without becoming overcooked.
  2. Cool the Potatoes: Remove the cooked potatoes from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a cutting board. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
  3. Cook the Green Beans: Using the same boiling water, cook the halved green beans for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
  4. Shock the Green Beans: Immediately transfer the cooked green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
  5. Prepare the Dressing: Combine the olive oil, minced shallot, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk until well combined.
  6. Slice the Potatoes: Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, use a sharp knife to slice them in half lengthwise.
  7. Assemble the Salad: Combine the sliced potatoes, green beans, feta cheese, chopped dill, chopped Kalamata olives, drained capers, and chopped parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Dress and Finish the Salad: Pour the prepared lemon-Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently until the ingredients are evenly coated.

Notes

  • Use baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, as specified, and cook them only until they are easily pierced with a fork to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
  • Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature before slicing and assembling the salad.
  • Blanch the green beans briefly so they remain tender while retaining a crisp texture.
  • Transfer the green beans immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • Drain and pat the green beans dry before adding them to the salad.
  • Adjust the kosher salt and black pepper according to taste, keeping in mind that feta, olives, and capers already contribute salty flavors.
  • The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • The flavors develop as the salad sits, making it a convenient option for preparing ahead. Toss again before serving.