Orange, Pine Nut and Green Bean Salad

Orange, Pine Nut and Green Bean Salad Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This refreshing and vibrant Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad is a perfect dish for a light and healthy meal. The combination of sweet oranges, crunchy green beans, and nutty pine nuts creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic salad that has been enjoyed for generations. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients like oranges, green beans, and pine nuts gives this salad a contemporary and flavorful twist that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 orange
0.25 lb (113 g) french beans
0.5 bunch radishes
0.5 chicory head
0.5 oz (14 g) toasted pine nuts

Dressing

How to prepare

Top and tail the French beans.
Divide the chicory head into leaves.
Peel the oranges and cut them into segments, over a bowl to catch the juice.
Cook the French beans in boiling water for 2 minutes.
Drain and refresh under cold running water.
Place orange segments, French beans, radishes, chicory, and pine nuts in a salad bowl.
Whisk the dressing ingredients with the reserved orange juice, pour over the salad, and toss gently.
Serve with Italian olive oil bread, such as ciabatta and focaccia.

Variations

Add some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pine nuts for a different flavor profile.
Try adding some cooked quinoa or couscous to make this salad more filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the French beans for just 2 minutes to maintain their crisp texture.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Whisking the dressing ingredients with the reserved orange juice will infuse the salad with a bright and citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner option, and can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the green beans for just 2 minutes to maintain their crisp texture.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hazelnut oil, you can use olive oil or another nut oil.

- Feel free to use any type of vinegar you have on hand in place of white wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large, shallow bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the oranges, green beans, and radishes. Garnish with a few extra pine nuts for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with the oranges and green beans providing a healthy dose of fiber and energy.

Fats

The pine nuts in this salad are a good source of healthy fats, which are essential for brain health and overall well-being.

Proteins

While this salad is not a significant source of protein, the pine nuts do provide a small amount of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune health, while green beans are a good source of vitamin K and folate. Pine nuts also contain important minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, this Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious option for a light and healthy meal. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat well.

Summary

This Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for a light and healthy meal. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage nestled in the countryside. Maria was a fantastic cook, always experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. As we sat in her sunlit kitchen sipping tea, she pulled out a worn and stained cookbook that she had inherited from her grandmother.

"Have you ever tried this salad before?" she asked, pointing to a recipe for Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad. I shook my head, intrigued by the combination of ingredients. Oranges, pine nuts, and green beans? It sounded like an unusual but refreshing mix of flavors.

Maria smiled and began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that her grandmother had learned it from a friend who had traveled to Spain many years ago. The salad was a popular dish in the region of Valencia, where the sweet and tangy oranges paired perfectly with the earthy pine nuts and crisp green beans.

Maria's eyes sparkled as she described the vibrant colors and flavors of the salad, and I could tell she was eager to recreate it for me. Together, we gathered the ingredients from her garden and pantry, and set to work preparing the dish.

First, we blanched the green beans until they were tender-crisp and bright green. Then, we toasted the pine nuts in a dry skillet until they were golden and fragrant. Finally, we peeled and sliced the oranges, careful to catch every drop of their sweet juice.

As we combined the ingredients in a large bowl, the colors and aromas mingled together in a beautiful symphony of flavors. The oranges added a burst of citrusy sweetness, the pine nuts provided a rich nuttiness, and the green beans brought a fresh crunch to the salad.

Maria and I sat down at her sunlit table and took our first bites of the Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. I knew immediately that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the salad countless times, each time adding my own twist to the original recipe. Sometimes I substitute almonds for the pine nuts, or add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra creaminess. Other times, I toss in some fresh herbs from my garden, like mint or basil, for a burst of freshness.

No matter how I choose to make it, the Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad always brings back memories of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones, and the beauty of discovering new flavors and ingredients from around the world.

As I sit here now, writing this story for you, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the wonderful meals I have shared with family and friends over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for those around me.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a refreshing and unique salad recipe, look no further than the Orange, Pine Nut, and Green Bean Salad. I promise it will delight your taste buds and bring a bit of sunshine into your day. Happy cooking!