This creamy avocado green bean salad is a simple, refreshing, and healthy side dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. The green beans are cooked just until tender, then tossed with a creamy avocado dressing, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. The salad is light and flavorful, with a creamy texture from the avocado and a bright, citrusy flavor from the lime juice.
The inspiration for this salad came to me one hot summer day when I was looking for a light and refreshing side dish to serve with grilled chicken. I had some green beans in the fridge that needed to be used up, and I thought they would be the perfect base for a salad. I added some avocado for creaminess, red onion for a bit of bite, cilantro for freshness, and lime juice for brightness. The result was a salad that was both delicious and healthy, and it quickly became a favorite of mine.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crunchy.
Drain the green beans and rinse with cold water.
Combine the green beans, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately.
Why It Works
The green beans are cooked just until tender, so they retain their bright green color and a bit of their crunch.
The avocado dressing is made with ripe avocados, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture.
The red onion adds a bit of bite and sharpness to the salad.
The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
The lime juice brightens up the salad and adds a touch of acidity.
The salt and pepper season the salad and enhance the other flavors.