The Ultimate Green Bean and Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon – a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying potato salad featuring tender green beans, smoky bacon, and a light, zesty mustard dressing. It’s the quintessential side dish that perfectly complements any BBQ, picnic, or family dinner.

Green Bean and Potato Salad Recipe CrunchyCreamySweet.com

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Green Bean and Potato Salad with Bacon: A Crowd-Pleasing BBQ Favorite

When it comes to crafting the perfect meal, side dishes often steal the show. And if there’s one side that consistently earns rave reviews at our weekend barbecues, it’s a perfectly crafted potato salad. While I cherish my classic family recipe passed down from my Mom, I also love experimenting with variations that are both simple to prepare and packed with irresistible flavor. This Green Bean and Potato Salad, elevated by the irresistible crunch of bacon and a bright, tangy mustard dressing, is a prime example of such a culinary gem.

For years, potato salad has been a staple in our household, not just during the warm summer months but for special occasions throughout the year. It’s become a beloved tradition in our kitchen, even inspiring my eight-year-old to embrace her role as a budding chef, proudly whipping up various salads for dinner. From classic green salads with ranch dressing to my husband’s favorite Caesar, or even more adventurous options like this delightful Mango Peach Quinoa Salad, she loves to contribute. But the moment this Green Bean and Potato Salad entered our repertoire, it quickly climbed the ranks to become a new family favorite, thanks in no small part to its star ingredient: crispy bacon.

The Irresistible Allure of Bacon: Elevating Your Potato Salad Experience

Let’s be honest, doesn’t everything taste better with bacon? It absolutely does! And in this green bean and potato salad, crispy, savory bacon isn’t just an addition; it’s a true game-changer. The smoky notes and satisfying crunchy texture of freshly cooked bacon strips add a layer of complexity and pure satisfaction that takes this side dish from good to utterly phenomenal. I strongly suspect it was the main selling point for my husband – a man who firmly believes bacon improves everything it touches!

Potato Salad with Green Beans and Bacon in a bowl.

The Secret to Success: A Tangy, Lighter Mustard-Based Dressing

Beyond the bacon, the dressing is truly where this Green Bean and Potato Salad shines brightest. Many traditional potato salads rely heavily on mayonnaise, which, while delicious, can sometimes feel a bit too rich or heavy for a vibrant summer spread. For this recipe, we opt for a lighter, brighter, and incredibly flavorful mustard-based dressing. This choice cuts through the richness of the potatoes and bacon with a delightful tang, refreshing your palate with every single bite.

Skipping the mayo not only results in a more vibrant and nuanced flavor profile but also helps to keep the calorie count a little lighter – a welcome bonus for those looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. The best part? This simple yet impactful dressing requires just a few pantry staples. While classic Dijon mustard is always a reliable and excellent choice, I’ve recently fallen head over heels for unique variations like Maille’s Parmesan Cheese and Basil mustard. Its sophisticated blend of savory cheese and aromatic basil adds an extra layer of depth and gourmet flair that is absolutely perfect for complementing the fresh vegetables and smoky bacon in this potato salad!

Maille Parmesan Cheese and Basil Mustard

Crafting the Perfect Green Bean and Potato Salad: Essential Tips and Tricks

Making this green bean and potato salad is wonderfully straightforward, but a few key tips can ensure it turns out perfectly delicious every single time, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen:

Choosing the Right Potatoes: Red potatoes are an ideal choice for this salad because they have a waxy texture that helps them hold their shape beautifully after cooking, preventing a mushy or crumbly result. You can also successfully use other waxy potato varieties like new potatoes or Yukon Gold. Remember to cut them into consistent, bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
Perfectly Cooked Green Beans: The goal for your green beans is crisp-tender perfection. They should retain their vibrant green color and have a slight snap when bitten, rather than being overly soft or limp. Blanching or steaming them briefly before adding them to the salad is the key to achieving this ideal texture and retaining their fresh flavor.
Bacon Quality and Preparation: For the absolute best flavor and texture, always take the time to cook fresh bacon strips until they are beautifully crisp and golden brown. Avoid the temptation to use pre-cooked bacon bits; they simply don’t deliver the same rich, smoky flavor or satisfying, substantial crunch that fresh bacon provides. The oven method, as detailed in the recipe, is fantastic for achieving uniformly crispy bacon with minimal fuss and mess.
Embrace Temperature Versatility: This salad is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving temperature. You can enjoy it while the vegetables are still slightly warm – a comforting option that allows the dressing to be absorbed more readily. Alternatively, prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time, then gently stir them together just before serving for a refreshing chilled salad. Regardless of serving temperature, ensure the bacon is added fresh for maximum crispiness.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions (also known as scallions) not only adds a beautiful pop of contrasting color but also provides a mild, pungent freshness that brightens the entire dish and complements the other flavors beautifully.

Recipe: Green Bean and Potato Salad with Bacon

Green Bean and Potato Salad with Bacon

Author: Anna

A simple yet incredibly delicious potato salad featuring tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a robust mustard dressing. It’s the perfect side for all your BBQ gatherings!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 3 votes)

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Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

Course: Side Dish | Cuisine: American

Servings: 5 people

Calories: 360 kcal

Ingredients

For the dressing:

¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 Tablespoons mustard (Dijon or your favorite specialty mustard)
1.5 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

2.5 lbs (approx. 3 medium) red potatoes
12 oz fresh green beans (washed, trimmed ends, and halved)
4 bacon strips (cooked until crisp, then crumbled or chopped)
¼ cup chopped green onions (scallions)

Instructions

For the dressing: Place all dressing ingredients (olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper) into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, blend in a small food processor until smooth. Set aside.
For the salad: Wash the red potatoes thoroughly. If they are large, cut them into large, uniform chunks; if small, cut them into wedges. Place the cut potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape and are not mushy, typically 10-15 minutes depending on size.
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the green beans. In a separate pot, place the trimmed and halved fresh green beans, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the green beans are crisp-tender and vibrant green. Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process if you prefer a very firm bean, then drain again.
In the meantime, prepare the bacon. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on a parchment paper or aluminum foil-lined large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is reached. Remove the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat, then allow it to cool slightly before chopping or crumbling into pieces.
Once the cooked potatoes and green beans are ready, drain them thoroughly and allow them to cool slightly to room temperature. It’s perfectly fine if they are still a bit warm when mixing; this can help them absorb the dressing’s flavors.
Place the cooled vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped, crispy bacon. Pour the prepared mustard dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and gently stir to ensure all the potatoes and green beans are well coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
Just before serving, sprinkle generously with the fresh chopped green onions for garnish and an added burst of fresh, mild oniony flavor. Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations for Your Next Gathering

This Green Bean and Potato Salad with Bacon is a remarkably versatile dish, making it an excellent addition to almost any meal. While it’s an undeniable star at barbecues alongside grilled meats, it also pairs beautifully with a range of other main courses. Consider serving it with flaky baked salmon, tender roasted chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or even as a hearty and flavorful side to complement a light soup or sandwich spread. Its flavors are bold enough to stand on their own but complementary enough not to overpower your main dish.

Looking to put your own unique spin on this delightful salad? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few creative ideas for variations that can add even more character and flavor:

Add More Vibrant Veggies: Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color, thinly sliced red onion for a sharper, piquant bite, or even some blanched asparagus tips or bell peppers for added texture and nutritional value.
Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs are fantastic for brightening up any salad. Finely chopped fresh dill, chives, parsley, or even a hint of tarragon mixed into the salad can significantly enhance its fresh, aromatic profile.
A Hint of Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the dressing or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can introduce a pleasant warmth and kick.
Tangy Add-ins: For an extra burst of briny flavor that beautifully complements the mustard dressing, consider stirring in some capers, finely chopped dill pickles, or even pickled red onions.
Boost the Protein: To transform this side dish into a more substantial light meal or to increase its protein content, consider adding some chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded grilled chicken, or even flaked canned tuna.
Vegetarian Option: To make this incredibly flavorful salad suitable for vegetarian diets, simply omit the bacon. You can replace the smoky flavor and crunch with smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke added to the dressing, or by toasting some pecans or walnuts and adding them for a nutty crunch.

The true beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel completely free to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply to utilize whatever fresh produce you happen to have on hand. It’s truly a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together in perfect harmony to create something extraordinary and utterly delicious.

Why This Green Bean and Potato Salad is a Must-Try for Everyone

In a culinary world often filled with complex and time-consuming recipes, sometimes the simplest combinations of ingredients create the most memorable and satisfying dishes. This Green Bean and Potato Salad with Bacon embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will excite your palate: the comforting creaminess of perfectly cooked potatoes, the crisp snap of fresh green beans, the irresistible smoky crunch of savory bacon, all expertly brought together by a bright, piquant, and utterly refreshing mustard dressing. It’s notably lighter than many traditional mayonnaise-heavy potato salads but doesn’t compromise in the slightest on the rich, satisfying taste and hearty feel we all crave from a classic side dish.

Whether you’re enthusiastically hosting a lively backyard barbecue, generously preparing a dish for an upcoming potluck, or simply searching for a deliciously easy and wholesome side to complement your weeknight dinner, this green bean and potato salad is guaranteed to impress your family and friends alike. It’s wholesome, vibrantly colored, bursting with fresh flavor, and utterly delicious. Prepare to fall completely in love with this fresh, exciting, and wonderfully satisfying take on a beloved classic!

Enjoy every delightful bite!

If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on Instagram! Tag me #crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and share your creation! 🙂

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