Green Bean Salad I

Green Bean Salad I Recipe from Zambia - Ingredients, Preparation and More

Region / culture: Zambia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Green Bean Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. This salad is packed with nutrients and is a great way to enjoy fresh green beans.

History

Green Bean Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. It is a simple and versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
0.5 cup oil
4 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 cup sweet white onions, thinly sliced
0.25 cup sliced stuffed green olives

How to prepare

Cook the beans in a large pot of boiling water until they are tender. Drain them well.
In a large bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well.
Add the onions, green olives, and hot beans to the bowl and toss them until they are coated.
Serve the dish immediately.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Substitute balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice for a different taste.
Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green beans until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them.

- You can blanch the green beans in ice water after cooking to help them retain their vibrant green color.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or nuts to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the green beans in boiling water before adding them to the salad to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the green beans and other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned green beans in place of fresh green beans if you are short on time.

- Substitute red onions for white onions for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Bean Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Bean Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Green Bean Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Green Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Bean Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Bean Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Bean Salad contains approximately 14 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Bean Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Green Bean Salad is a nutritious dish that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal.

Summary

Green Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her farmhouse. As we sat on the porch, sipping iced tea and catching up on old times, Mary suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the most amazing recipe for green bean salad that I just have to show you!"

I followed Mary into her cozy kitchen, where she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that she had gotten the recipe from her great-grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The card was filled with scribbles and notes, evidence of the many times Mary had made this salad for family gatherings and picnics.

As Mary read out the ingredients and instructions, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The combination of fresh green beans, tangy red onions, creamy feta cheese, and zesty lemon dressing sounded absolutely divine. I could already imagine the flavors bursting in my mouth, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

Mary patiently walked me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to blanch the green beans to perfection and how to whisk together the dressing until it was smooth and creamy. I watched her with rapt attention, taking in every detail and committing it to memory.

After a whirlwind of chopping, blanching, mixing, and tossing, the salad was finally ready. Mary and I sat down at the kitchen table, our mouths watering in anticipation. As I took my first bite of the green bean salad, I was transported to a world of taste and texture like I had never experienced before. The crispness of the green beans, the sharpness of the red onions, the creaminess of the feta cheese, and the brightness of the lemon dressing all blended together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that I had to make this green bean salad for my own family and friends, to share with them the joy and deliciousness that I had discovered. I asked Mary for a copy of the recipe, which she gladly provided, along with a few helpful tips and tricks that she had picked up over the years.

Over the following weeks, I made the green bean salad countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my own taste preferences. I added a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch, a handful of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor, and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Each time I made the salad, it garnered rave reviews from all who tried it, and I felt a swell of pride in my heart.

As the years went by, I continued to make the green bean salad for every occasion imaginable. It became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, earning me a reputation as the "green bean salad queen" among my friends and loved ones. I even entered it into a local cooking competition and won first prize, much to the delight of everyone who knew me.

To this day, whenever I make the green bean salad, I think back to that fateful day in Mary's farmhouse kitchen and smile. The recipe has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of good food and good friends to bring joy and warmth into our lives. And as I pass it down to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring people together and create lasting memories for years to come.