Green Bean Salad II

Green Bean Salad II Recipe with Wine Vinegar and Oregano

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Bean Salad II is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. This salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

History

Green Bean Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. This particular recipe is a classic version that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans
0.5 cup water
1 tsp salt
0.33 cup wine vinegar
0.33 cup oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, split
0.25 tsp oregano

How to prepare

Wash the beans and add water and salt.
Cook the beans until they are tender. (If fresh beans are not available, skip this first step. Instead, drain and rinse canned beans.)
Drain the beans, but save the water.
In a separate bowl, combine 0.5 cup of the cooking water with vinegar, oil, onion, garlic, and oregano.
Pour the mixture over the beans and let it stand for at least 6 hours.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
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 slightly crisp for the best texture.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad overnight in the refrigerator.

- Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or toasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean Salad II can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a crusty baguette or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the green beans in boiling water before marinating them to ensure they are cooked through but still crisp.

- Marinate the salad in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned green beans in place of fresh green beans if they are not available.

- White wine vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Bean Salad II can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Bean Salad II in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Bean Salad II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Bean Salad II contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Green Bean Salad II contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

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

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 no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Green Bean Salad II is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green Bean Salad II is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. With its fresh flavors and simple preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a sunny day in the early spring, and I had just finished picking fresh green beans from the garden. As I stood in my kitchen, surrounded by the abundance of nature's bounty, I knew I wanted to create something special with these crisp and flavorful beans.

My mind drifted back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, teaching me the art of cooking. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into delicious dishes that would leave everyone at the table satisfied and wanting more. I could still remember the smell of her kitchen, the sound of her laughter, and the joy that filled the room whenever she cooked.

Inspired by her memory, I set to work creating a green bean salad that would honor her legacy. I remembered a recipe that a dear friend had shared with me years ago, a recipe that combined the freshness of green beans with the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of honey. It was a recipe that spoke to me, that called out to be made and shared with others.

As I sliced the green beans into bite-sized pieces, I thought about all the different people and places that had influenced my cooking over the years. From my grandmother's kitchen to the bustling markets of Europe, I had gathered recipes and techniques that had shaped my own culinary style. Each dish I created was a reflection of my journey through life, a way to connect with the past and create something new.

I boiled the green beans until they were tender but still crisp, then tossed them in a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The flavors mingled together, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy that danced on my taste buds. I added some sliced red onion for a bit of bite, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color.

As I took my first bite of the green bean salad, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The flavors were familiar yet new, a combination of old and new that felt like a hug from my grandmother herself. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I could turn to whenever I needed a taste of home.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of good food and good company. Each time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about cooking with love and passion. I know that she would be proud of the woman I have become, a woman who carries on her legacy through the simple act of creating delicious food.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a way to honor the past while creating something new, I urge you to try this recipe for green bean salad. Let the flavors transport you to a simpler time, when the joy of cooking was shared with loved ones and the memories of meals gone by lingered in the air. And remember, the secret ingredient in every dish is love.