Green Bean, Smoked Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

Green Bean, Smoked Mozzarella and Tomato Salad Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

This Green Bean, Smoked Mozzarella, and Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of crisp green beans, tangy marinated artichoke hearts, juicy tomatoes, creamy smoked mozzarella, and crunchy walnuts is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic green bean salad. The addition of smoked mozzarella and artichoke hearts gives it a unique and delicious flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional green bean salads.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) haricot verts (thin green beans)
4 marinated artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
8 oz (227 g) smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 0.25-inch slices
0.25 cup walnut halves, toasted and roughly chopped
1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp dijon mustard
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

How to prepare

Cook the green beans in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans and then shock them under cold running water.
To assemble the salad: On each plate, place two artichoke hearts in the center. Surround them with half of the tomato slices. Arrange half of the green beans and half of the cheese slices around the artichokes. Sprinkle with half of the walnuts.
For the dressing: Combine vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil until the dressing thickens. Spoon the dressing over the salad.

Variations

Substitute fresh mozzarella for the smoked mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use pine nuts or almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the green beans. They should be crisp-tender, not mushy.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and crunch.

- Make sure to pat dry the marinated artichoke hearts before adding them to the salad to prevent excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp summer beer.

Cooking Techniques

Blanch the green beans to cook them quickly and retain their vibrant green color.

- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular green beans if haricot verts are not available.

- Substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar for a sweeter dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the green beans and toast the walnuts ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish. Serve with a light and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 10 grams per serving.

Fats

The salad contains healthy fats from the olive oil, walnuts, and smoked mozzarella, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This salad provides a moderate amount of protein, with approximately 12 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Artichoke hearts are high in fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (smoked mozzarella) and nuts (walnuts). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, this salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Green Bean, Smoked Mozzarella, and Tomato Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Green Bean, Smoked Mozzarella, and Tomato Salad. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, and I found myself at a local farmers market, browsing through the vibrant array of fresh produce. As I wandered from stall to stall, I came across a vendor selling plump, ripe tomatoes, crisp green beans, and creamy smoked mozzarella. The colors and smells of the ingredients were irresistible, and I knew I had to create something delicious with them.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, a friendly older woman with a twinkle in her eye. We chatted about the joys of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and she shared with me her own recipe for a green bean salad that combined the sweet juiciness of tomatoes with the smoky richness of mozzarella. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me on a scrap of paper.

Excited to try out this new dish, I hurried home and gathered the ingredients together. I blanched the green beans until they were tender-crisp, sliced the tomatoes into wedges, and diced the smoked mozzarella into small cubes. I tossed everything together in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of garlic, and the result was a vibrant, flavorful salad that was a feast for the senses.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a sunny Italian vineyard, surrounded by the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean. The tangy sweetness of the tomatoes paired perfectly with the earthy crunch of the green beans, and the creamy, smoky mozzarella added a luxurious richness to the dish. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness, or a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. Other times, I swap out the balsamic vinegar for a squeeze of lemon juice, or use a different type of cheese in place of the smoked mozzarella.

No matter how I choose to customize it, this salad always brings back memories of that sunny day at the farmers market, and the kind vendor who shared her recipe with me. It is a dish that never fails to impress, whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a light lunch on a hot day. And the best part is, it is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time and a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients.

I am grateful to that vendor for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, and for inspiring me to experiment with new flavors and combinations in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and discovering new recipes like this one is what makes it so exciting and rewarding. I can't wait to share this salad with my family and friends, and to continue exploring the world of cooking and cuisine for years to come.