Is there a substitute for white balsamic vinegar?

You may be tempted to use dark balsamic for white; however, it will add a dark color that will stain cucumbers and tomatoes for this salad. A more suitable substitute is mild rice vinegar.

Can I use maple syrup in place of date paste?

Maple syrup is a suitable substitute, although it will slightly alter the flavor. You can also use agave syrup, honey, or vegan honey, depending on your dietary preferences.

Are there substitutes for cucumber?

If you do not want to use cucumber, celery or zucchini are probably the best options. Be sure to thinly slice both so that they can absorb the dressing.

balsamic green bean cucumber salad

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5 from 2 reviews

Balsamic green bean cucumber salad is a bright and crunchy side salad with a tangy-sweet, oil-free dressing adding flavorful crunch to your table.

Author: Denise
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 side servings 1x
Category: side salads
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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1 lb. fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cucumber, sliced lengthwise, deseeded, and sliced thin
1 red onion cut in half and sliced thin
2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half (or quarters)
1/4 cup white Balsamic vinegar
1 lemon or 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. date paste
Ground black pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Add a steamer basket to a pot and fill it with a few inches of water (don’t go above the steamer). Bring the water to boiling, then add the green beans and cover the pot. Steam the beans for 2 minutes until they are just tender and bright green. Immediately remove the beans after steaming and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the beans to dry while you prepare the rest of the veggies.
To make the dressing, combine the white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and date paste.
Add the vegetables and dressing to a medium salad bowl and toss the ingredients.
Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add ground black pepper before serving, if desired.

Notes

Unpeeled cucumbers provide more nutrition. Removing the seeds and soft middle will keep them crisper for longer. That said, peeling cucumbers can mitigate mild indigestion some people experience after eating cucumbers.
If you make this salad a day before, consider adding the tomatoes right before serving. Cut tomatoes will begin to soften after a few hours in the dressing.
If you opt for dark balsamic, the overall salad will be darker, and it will look less lively and fresh. A better substitute for white balsamic in this case is mild rice vinegar.
Use maple syrup, agave syrup, or vegan honey as an alternative to date paste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 60
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 8.8 mg
Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 13.9 g
Protein: 1.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://veganwithgusto.com/fresh-green-bean-salad/