Romano Bean Salad

This tasty Romano Bean Salad is made with blanched beans, salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of olive oil! It’s the perfect way to transform these long, flat beans into a delicious side dish!

The first time I got romano beans in our weekly CSA, I have to admit I was a bit unsure of what they were. They looked like a cross between green beans and sugar snap peas. I immediately started researching what these beans were and how to cook them. Now, I love them!

What are Romano Beans?

If you’re curious like I am, Romano beans are large Italian flat beans. When I first saw them, I Googled “long, flat beans” and sure enough, these were the beans that popped up! They’re sometimes called Italian Pole beans and they can grow quite large. They’re in the same family as string beans and they’re in season from late spring to early fall.

What does a Romano bean taste like?

These beans taste similar to a typical green bean with a less tender texture. If you can’t find Romano beans, you can substitute green beans in this recipe. Similarly, you can typically substitute Romano beans for recipes that call for green beans. Try my air fryer green beans with these long flat beans instead!

How to Cook Romano Beans

They can be eaten raw, but I recommend cooking them for the best flavor and texture. In this recipe, we’ll blanch the green beans so they’re tender but not mushy. Wash the beans then trim the ends. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the beans. Cook for 8 minutes until bright green. Drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process so they stay crisp.

How long do Romano beans last?

As long as they were fresh when you got them, they should keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. I recommend storing them in a plastic bag. Wait to trim and wash them until you’re ready to eat them. If you notice the beans turning brown or shriveling, it’s time to toss them.

How to Make Romano Bean Salad

Wash and trim the Romano beans.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook for 7-9 minutes until the beans are bright green.

Remove the beans from the pot and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Cut the beans into 1″ pieces and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with feta and walnuts. Add salt to taste.

Recipe Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to amplify the flavors! Or try using sliced almonds instead of walnuts for a different kind of crunch. If you wanted to make this vegan, skip the feta cheese and add lemon zest and a sprinkle of salted pine nuts.

What to serve with Romano beans

These beans make a great side dish for pasta! Try pairing this recipe with Creamy Boursin Pasta recipe or with a plate of this Pasta Alla Norma. It would also be delicious served alongside this Baked Greek Pasta! These would really be a great vegetable to pair with just about any protein. Romano beans are a tasty vegetable to pair with foods that would normally go well with green beans!

More Vegetable Recipes

• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Roasted Patty Pan Squash
• Air Fryer Broccoli

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Do you have questions about Romano beans? Ask in the comments below!