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Corsican Green Bean and Mint Salad Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Corsican Green Bean and Mint Salad Recipe

I recently tried making this Corsican green bean and mint salad, and honestly, it surprised me in the best way. The flavors are so fresh, light, and perfectly balanced that I kept going back for another bite. I love how simple ingredients can create something that feels so elegant and Mediterranean-inspired.
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Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450 g fresh green beans – choose crisp, bright beans for the best texture
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves chopped – adds a refreshing aroma and flavor
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced – soak in water to reduce sharpness
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – use high-quality oil for richer taste
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar – gives a mild tangy balance
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard – helps emulsify the dressing smoothly
  • 1 tsp honey – adds a subtle sweetness to balance acidity
  • Salt to taste – enhances all flavors
  • Freshly ground black pepper – adds a light kick

Method
 

  1. Start by trimming the ends of the green beans and washing them thoroughly. Boil them in salted water for about 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to cold water to stop cooking and preserve their bright green color.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly thick. This step ensures all flavors blend beautifully together.
  3. Place the cooled green beans in a large bowl and add sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the beans and toss gently to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is lightly dressed for the best flavor.
  4. Sprinkle the chopped mint over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly again so the mint distributes evenly. This step adds a refreshing aroma and signature Corsican touch.
  5. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for maximum freshness. You can also let it sit for a short time to allow the flavors to blend. Avoid keeping it too long to maintain the crisp texture.

Notes

  • I always use fresh green beans instead of frozen for better texture
  • Blanching and shocking the beans keeps them bright and crisp
  • I prefer finely chopping mint so it spreads evenly in every bite
  • Letting the salad rest for 10 minutes enhances the flavor
  • Using high-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference