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Warm Green Bean and Fingerling Potato Salad with Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Bacon

This warm green bean and fingerling potato salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. Tender potatoes and crisp-tender green beans are tossed with caramelized shallots, crispy bacon, and a tangy, slightly sweet mustard vinaigrette. Comforting, flavorful, and easy to make!

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This Warm Green Bean and Fingerling Potato Salad with Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Bacon is the perfect way to welcome spring into your kitchen. Tender fingerling potatoes, crisp-tender green beans, sweet caramelized shallots, and savory bacon are tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette, creating a salad that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.

Warm Grean Bean and Fingerling Potato Salad

Why You’ll Love This Salad

I just love spring! Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the air smells fresh after a spring shower. Farmers markets and produce stands are bursting with fresh, colorful vegetables. This salad is inspired by all those vibrant seasonal ingredients—red and gold fingerling potatoes, crisp green beans, and purple shallots—and is light enough to transition from the heavier winter meals.

Serve it warm as a comforting spring dinner side, or make it ahead and enjoy chilled. Either way, it’s a show-stopper on your table.

Ingredients

1 pound fingerling potatoes
1/2 pound fresh green beans
1 large shallot (or 2 small), sliced
4 strips bacon (1/4 pound), diced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon raw sugar
1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
Kosher salt, to taste (~1 teaspoon)
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste (~1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook potatoes: Wash and steam or boil potatoes until just tender. Set aside.
Cook green beans: Steam or boil until crisp-tender. Set aside.
Cook bacon: In a sauté pan, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels. Reserve pan grease.
Caramelize shallots: In the same pan, cook sliced shallots in bacon grease until golden and caramelized, being careful not to burn. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble salad: Cut warm potatoes into chunks and green beans in half. Toss with shallots, bacon, and the prepared dressing. Adjust seasonings. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes & Tips

Use a mix of red and gold fingerling potatoes for a colorful presentation.
Reserve bacon grease for cooking shallots—it adds extra flavor.
This salad can be made ahead and served cold for picnics or lunches.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of freshness.
For a lighter version, substitute half the olive oil with Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Food Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with:

Roasted meats: Garlic and peppercorn pork loin, roasted chicken, or ham
Light proteins: Grilled salmon or seared shrimp
Spring vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, or roasted radishes
Other sides: Crusty bread, soft polenta, or a light grain salad

Wine and Drink Pairings

White wine: Crisp Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc complements the bacon and shallots.
Red wine: Light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais pairs nicely with roasted pork or chicken served alongside.
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea works well for a refreshing pairing.

FAQ

Can this salad be made ahead?
Yes! Prepare the potatoes, green beans, bacon, and shallots in advance. Toss with dressing just before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and sauté the shallots in olive oil instead of bacon grease.

How long does it keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently if serving warm.

Can I use other potatoes?
Fingerling potatoes are ideal for texture and color, but baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Spring

There’s something about fresh spring vegetables and crisp green flavors that just feels like renewal. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in this salad makes it a perfect companion to lighter spring dinners, afternoon meals, or weekend gatherings. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Gris while cooking, and you’ll feel the season in every bite!

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make spring salad, this Warm Green Bean and Fingerling Potato Salad with Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Bacon is a must-try. Save it, share it, and serve it to impress your family or guests this season!