The fresh green beans and tomatoes in this tomato basil salad make it a healthy choice for any season, but in particular, it makes a great salad for the Fall.  The dressing is sweet and simple and tastes delicious with the basil when drizzled over the vegetables. Enjoy this simple and beautiful looking salad for any casual or fine-dining occasion.

A Simple Tomato Basil Salad For Any Occasion

So you may have guessed by now that I’m in love with heirloom tomatoes!  I know I did a similar salad to this a couple weeks ago but when I looked in my fridge and saw more green beans and heirlooms there was just no turning away.  This HAD to be made!

This tomato basil salad is great to make around Thanksgiving because they tomatoes and green beans are fresh for the picking.  I spent time at Barrie Hill Farms a few weeks ago and the green beans look amazing! This salad will make a lovely side dish for Thanksgiving or any occasion.

I picked up a giant basil plant at the farm earlier in the summer and it has been a real joy to use the large, beautiful leaves in so many dishes.  This dish can’t be any simpler – tomatoes, green beans and basil.  The dressing is simple too but if you want to change it up feel free.

Tomato and Basil Salad Tips

When it comes to salads, I can go wild with loads of ingredients and flavours like this Halloumi and Za’atar Fattoush Salad and those are lots of fun to assemble but then I go completely the other way and pare it down to the bare minimum.  When you have farm fresh produce, I think it’s the best way to go.  They don’t need much – their natural taste shines.  The best thing about this salad is it’s bright colours and it will dress up any meal from casual to fine dining.

You don’t want to steam your beans for more than 1-2 minutes in order to retain their nutrients.   They are chock full of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese and fiber just to name a few.   Besides, your kids will enjoy the taste much more if they’re not cooked to death.  Did your mom cook your veggies till they were limp when you were a kid? lol.  Mine did and now I barely steam them for more than a minute!  No saggy, sad veggies on my plate!

Aren’t those salad plates cool?  I got them from GlucksteinHome.  If you’re in Canada you can find them at Home Outfitters or The Bay.  Love them!  Ok, I’m taking a break from heirlooms for awhile and right now my mind is busy with Indian meatballs.  It will be so interesting to see how these turn out!  Can’t wait to share them with you.   Cheers!

Tomato Basil Salad With Fresh Green Beans

Robyn Gleason @ Simply Fresh Dinners

This tomato basil salad is a healthy choice for any season.  The dressing is sweet, simple and tastes delicious with the basil when drizzled over the vegetables. 

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 302 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound green beans (I used yellow as well), washed and trimmed
• 1 pound tomatoes (I used heirloom but any type will do), halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

 

• Blanch the green beans in a pan of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and cool. Pat dry and cut into 2-inch pieces.
• Combine beans, tomatoes and basil leaves.
• Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined well. Drizzle over vegetables, toss gently and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1805IUVitamin C: 30.3mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 1.7mg

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Recipe courtesy of Simply Fresh Dinners,  A partner with Barrie Hill Farms in bringing fresh recipes to your table.

More Tomato Recipes from Barrie Hill Farms

Bruschetta with Mozzarella, Asparagus and Tomatoes

Easy Homemade Salsa with Asparagus and Tomatoes

When are Tomatoes and Beans Available at Barrie Hills Farm?