Enhanced Green Bean and Pine Nut Salad

Ingredients

Green beans

1 pound, trimmed

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup, halved

Pine nuts

1/4 cup, toasted

Red onion

1/4 cup, thinly sliced

Fresh basil

1/4 cup, chopped

Olive oil

3 tablespoons

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed

Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon

Honey

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under 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, toasted pine nuts, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. Toss gently to combine.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well blended. This will create a tangy vinaigrette that complements the vegetables beautifully.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. For best results, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
6. Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional pine nuts or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side for grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.