Cold Green Bean Salad

Introduction

History

Cold Green Bean Salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. It is a simple and versatile recipe that can be customized with different ingredients and dressings to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Notes

1. Cook Time:
2. Serves: 8

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the green beans well before adding them to the salad to prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or fresh parsley, to enhance the flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Cold Green Bean Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. It also makes a great addition to a buffet or potluck spread.

Cooking Techniques

Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. You can also use frozen green beans, thawed and drained, as a substitute for canned beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Cold Green Bean Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cold Green Bean Salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also complements sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cold Green Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cold Green Bean Salad contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cold Green Bean Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cold Green Bean Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cold Green Bean Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cold Green Bean Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, thanks to the green beans and red onions.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as soy and wheat, depending on the brand of Italian dressing used.

Summary

Cold Green Bean Salad is a low-calorie and nutritious side dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Cold Green Bean Salad is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its crisp green beans, tangy onions, and zesty dressing, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Cold Green Bean Salad. It was many years ago, back in my younger days when I was just starting to learn how to cook. I was visiting my Aunt Margaret, who was known among our family as the best cook around. She had a way of whipping up delicious dishes with ease, and I always admired her culinary skills.

One sunny afternoon, Aunt Margaret invited me over to her house for lunch. As we sat down at the table, she placed a large bowl of what looked like green beans in front of me. I had never been a fan of green beans, but something about the way they were prepared caught my eye. The beans were crisp and vibrant, tossed with a tangy dressing and sprinkled with crunchy almonds. It was a far cry from the mushy, overcooked green beans I was used to.

I took a bite and was immediately blown away by the burst of flavors. The beans were fresh and crisp, the dressing was tangy and refreshing, and the almonds added a satisfying crunch. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I asked Aunt Margaret for the recipe, and she smiled and handed me a faded index card with her neat handwriting scrawled across it.

As I read through the instructions, Aunt Margaret told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had picked it up from a neighbor many years ago. It was a simple yet delicious dish that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was determined to master this recipe and make it a staple in my own kitchen. I practiced making the Cold Green Bean Salad countless times, tweaking the dressing and experimenting with different toppings. Each time I made it, I thought of Aunt Margaret and her warm kitchen, filled with the aromas of fresh herbs and spices.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who always raved about how delicious it was. It became a go-to dish for potlucks and picnics, a refreshing and light option that never failed to impress.

As I grew older and my own children started families of their own, I passed down the recipe to them, just as Aunt Margaret had passed it down to me. It became a family tradition, a dish that was always present at our holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Now, as I look back on those early days in Aunt Margaret's kitchen, I realize how much that Cold Green Bean Salad has come to symbolize for me. It's not just a recipe; it's a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and care that went into each bite. It's a testament to the power of family and tradition, of how a simple dish can bring people together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a delicious and refreshing salad, give this Cold Green Bean Salad a try. Who knows, it may just become a cherished family recipe for you too, passed down through the generations with love and care.

Categories

| Green Bean Recipes | Italian Recipes | Vegan Salad Recipes | Vegan Side Dish Recipes |

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