Teresa's Recipes
Green Bean and Goat Cheese Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad that showcases the crispness of green beans, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the tangy richness of goat cheese, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This dish not only celebrates the bounty of summer produce but also pays homage to the Mediterranean influence in salads, where fresh ingredients are the star. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is a delightful way to brighten any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, trimmed Green beans
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 4 ounces, crumbled Goat cheese
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just crisp-tender. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process, preserving their vibrant color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil to create a colorful medley.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the zesty lemon vinaigrette by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad, allowing its creamy texture to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Tips
- For added crunch, consider toasting some nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, and sprinkling them on top before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a crusty baguette for a light lunch.