heart healthy recipe game day green bean salad

Heart Healthy Recipes: This Sunday, save room for a healthy alternative to the typical fattening and unhealthy appetizers served at tailgate parties. Instead of chips and salsa, ribs, and buffalo-style chicken wings, opt for an extra serving of fruits or vegetables. Your heart will thank you for these heart healthy recipes.

Need ideas or inspiration? Start with this healthy appetizer from the American Heart Association.

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Green Bean Salad Vinaigrette

Number of Servings

12 servings at ½ cup each

Ingredients

  • 1 quart water for fresh green beans or ¼ cup for frozen
  • 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
  • 1 ½ tablespoons raspberry vinegar or red or white wine vinegar
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon finely snipped fresh thyme or 1 ½ teaspoons dried, crumbled
  • ½ teaspoon finely snipped fresh parsley or 1 ½ teaspoons dried, crumbled
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • ½ medium garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup canola or corn oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into thin strips
  • ½ to 1 small red onion, cut lengthwise into thin strips
  • ¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the beans. Boil for 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with cold water. When the beans are ready, drain them in a colander, then plunge them into the cold water to stop the cooking process and cool quickly. Once the beans are cold, drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. While the beans are cooling, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, thyme, parsley, honey, and garlic. Slowly whisk in the oil, continuing to whisk until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the salt and pepper.
  4. Add the green beans, bell pepper, and onion to the vinegar mixture. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with the lemon zest.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

Calories per serving: 29
Total Fat: 1.0 g
     Saturated Fat: 0 g
     Trans Fat: 0 g
     Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
     Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 52 mg
Carbohydrate: 4g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Protein: 1 g

Dietary Exchanges: 1 vegetable

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

About Heart and Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.