Green and Gold Bean Salad
Green and Gold Bean Salad Recipe from the United Kingdom
Introduction
Green and Gold Bean Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. This salad is a delicious combination of green beans, wax beans, celery, and a creamy onion dressing.
History
This recipe has been a popular side dish for many years, with variations found in cookbooks and family recipe collections. The combination of green and gold beans adds a unique twist to the classic bean salad.
Ingredients
- 1 can (1 lb (454 g)) of drained cut green beans
- 1 can (1 lb (454 g)) of drained cut wax beans
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 tsp of dillweed
- 0.5 cup of bottled creamy onion dressing
- 0.25 cup of slivered almonds (optional)
- 0.5 cup of salad croutons
How to prepare
- In a bowl, combine drained beans, celery, and dill. Refrigerate.
- Right before serving, add nuts, croutons, and dressing.
Variations
- Add diced red bell pepper for extra color and flavor.
- Substitute the creamy onion dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
- Mix in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to drain the beans well before combining them with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- For added crunch, consider toasting the almonds before adding them to the salad.
- The creamy onion dressing can be substituted with a homemade vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Green and Gold Bean Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires minimal cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply combine the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have creamy onion dressing, you can use ranch dressing or a homemade vinaigrette instead. You can also use fresh green beans instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Make Ahead Tips
Green and Gold Bean Salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Just add the nuts, croutons, and dressing right before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Green and Gold Bean Salad in a large glass bowl to show off the colorful beans and crunchy toppings. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple sandwich. For a complete meal, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Green and Gold Bean Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture of the beans may become mushy. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Green and Gold Bean Salad contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Green and Gold Bean Salad contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Green and Gold Bean Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Green and Gold Bean Salad contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Green and Gold Bean Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts and gluten from the salad croutons. It may not be suitable for those with nut or gluten allergies.
Summary
Green and Gold Bean Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Green and Gold Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly as I walked through the bustling farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for a family gathering. As I wandered past the colorful stalls filled with an abundance of fruits and vegetables, a particular display caught my eye - a beautiful assortment of fresh green and gold beans, glistening in the sunlight.
I couldn't resist the temptation to purchase some of these vibrant beans, knowing that they would make a perfect addition to the menu for our upcoming gathering. As I paid for my purchase, the vendor noticed my interest in the beans and struck up a conversation with me. He explained that the green beans were a variety called haricots verts, known for their delicate flavor and tender texture, while the yellow wax beans added a lovely pop of color to any dish.
Intrigued by the possibilities of these beans, I asked the vendor if he had any recipe suggestions. He smiled warmly and began to share with me a family recipe for Green and Gold Bean Salad that had been passed down through generations. As he spoke, I could see the passion and love he had for this dish, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.
I eagerly took notes as he described the simple yet flavorful ingredients that went into the salad - the fresh beans blanched to perfection, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette made from Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and a hint of honey, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a delicious crunch. The combination of flavors sounded absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.
When I returned home, I wasted no time in getting to work on preparing the Green and Gold Bean Salad. I carefully trimmed the ends of the beans and blanched them in boiling water until they were just tender, then plunged them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color. As I whisked together the tangy vinaigrette, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of mustard and vinegar, and I knew that this salad was going to be a hit.
Once the beans were cooled, I tossed them in the dressing, making sure that each bean was coated in the flavorful mixture. The salad was then sprinkled with the toasted almonds, adding a delightful crunch that complemented the tender beans perfectly. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste, and my taste buds were greeted with a burst of savory, tangy, and nutty flavors that danced on my palate.
As I sat down to enjoy the Green and Gold Bean Salad with my family, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The recipe had been a success, a new addition to my repertoire of dishes that I could share with loved ones for years to come. And as we savored each bite of the salad, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I discovered the magic of green and gold beans at the farmer's market.
From that day on, the Green and Gold Bean Salad became a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that never failed to impress and delight. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this delicious salad to anyone who was willing to give it a try. And as I watched the smiles of satisfaction spread across their faces as they took their first bite, I knew that this recipe had truly become a cherished part of my culinary legacy.
In the years that followed, I continued to make the Green and Gold Bean Salad for special occasions and everyday meals alike, each time reminiscing about that fateful day at the farmer's market when I discovered the recipe that would bring so much joy to my family and friends. And as I passed on the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I knew that the legacy of this dish would live on for generations to come, a testament to the power of good food and cherished memories shared around the table.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | British Recipes | British Salads | Dill Leaf Recipes | Salad Recipes | Wax Bean Recipes |