Name: Green Bean Salad with Fresno Chili, Herbs & Goat Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 28, 2026

This green bean salad is the answer to tired veggie sides. It's zippy, herb-packed, and full of texture thanks to crunchy pistachios, quick-pickled shallots, and creamy goat cheese. Whether you're making it for a summer cookout or just trying to liven up a weeknight dinner, this crisp green bean salad delivers bright, bold flavor without any mayo in sight.

Green Bean Salad with Fresno Chili, Herbs & Goat Cheese

Green Bean Salad with Fresno Chili, Herbs & Goat Cheese cover

From the Cook

1/5

Green Bean Salad with Fresno Chili, Herbs & Goat Cheese

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Prepare an ice bath with two trays of ice and cold water in a large bowl or pot. Place in the freezer while prepping the vegetables.

Zest and juice 2 lemons. Add 1 thinly sliced shallot and 1 thinly sliced Fresno chili to the lemon juice (about 6 tablespoons total juice). Set aside to quick pickle.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim 2 to 2.5 pounds of green beans. Blanch by size: large for 3 minutes, medium for 2 minutes, small for 1.5 minutes. Transfer immediately to the ice bath to chill for at least 5 minutes.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the reserved lemon juice (about 5 tablespoons), ¼ cup olive oil, ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

In a large bowl or serving dish, toss the chilled green beans with the pickled shallots and chili slices. Top with ¼ cup chopped pistachios, ⅓ cup chopped dill, and 8 to 10 chopped mint leaves. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Sprinkle with 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese just before serving.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Blanch Like a Pro 💦
Blanch green beans in heavily salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately shock in ice water to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Pickle Shallots Quickly 🧅
For rapid pickling, slice shallots thinly and let them sit in fresh lemon juice for just 10-15 minutes to soften and add bright acidity without harsh raw flavor.
Chili Heat Control 🌶️
Remove Fresno chili seeds to reduce heat intensity, or keep them for extra spiciness - always wear gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin irritation.
Goat Cheese Technique 🧀
Crumble goat cheese at room temperature for easier distribution and let it slightly melt into the warm green beans for a creamy, luxurious texture.
Herb Chopping Pro Tip 🔪
Chop mint and dill just before serving to prevent browning, and use a sharp knife to prevent bruising and preserve the herbs' delicate essential oils.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.