Recipe: Garlicky Green Bean Salad
This Garlicky Green Bean Salad can be eaten in the summertime as a side to your favorite starch and protein, or maybe try it as a side dish at a holiday meal instead of the usual green bean casserole!
The reliable green bean has been a dinner staple for quite some time – and for a good reason! They’re high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, antioxidants that help fight inflammation. The vitamin C is also great for boosting immunity. Additionally, these fiber-filled veggies offer folate and potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Green beans are available year-round in frozen, fresh, and canned varieties. While none are necessarily better than another, fresh green beans can usually be a fairly cost-effective way to add some non-starchy veggies to the table.
Garlicky Green Bean Salad
Serves 4+
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bag of green beans
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 C red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 oz goat cheese (about 1/2 small log), crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. While the water boils, fill a large bowl with ice water and place it near the sink. Ensure the water is very cold and the ice does not melt.
- Add the green beans to the pot of boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the beans have brightened and are crisp-tender.
- Strain the beans and place them promptly into the bowl of ice water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- While the green beans cool, make up the dressing by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Drain the green beans and add the remaining ingredients. Add the green onions, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and walnuts. Top with the garlicky dressing and toss until well coated.
- Taste and add extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Swaps:
- For the green onions: thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced shallots
- For the cherry tomatoes: a large tomato diced, roasted red peppers
- For the goat cheese: vegan alternative, feta cheese
- For the walnuts: almonds, pecans, pine nuts