Green Bean and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients

Green beans

1 pound, trimmed

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup, halved

Red onion

1/2, thinly sliced

Fresh basil

1/4 cup, chopped

Goat cheese

4 ounces, crumbled

Extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed

Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon

Honey

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the dressing.
5. Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad, allowing its creamy texture to enhance the flavors.
6. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!