Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad
Crisp green beans and creamy avocado tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, finished with sweet red onion for a refreshing lunch. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 19 minutes pairs Green beans, medium Avocado, Red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 245 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Green beans
- 1 medium Avocado
- 1/4 cup Red onion
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz trimmed green beans and cook for 4 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Drain and pat dry the green beans, then add to a large bowl with 1 medium diced avocado and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until all ingredients are coated. Fold in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad take to make?
Total time is about 19 minutes (15 min prep + 4 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Tropical Green Bean and Avocado Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So healthy and the avocado makes it creamy without dressing. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this salad as a side for grilled chicken. The flavors are bright and refreshing.
- ★★★★★
This salad is a perfect summer dish! The avocado and green beans are so fresh and the tropical twist with lime is divine.