String Bean Salad with Pimentos, Almonds, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe

String Bean Salad

String Bean Salad with Pimentos, Almonds, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe
| Servings: 4

Introduction

String Bean Salad
String Bean Salad

String bean salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for a barbecue. This salad is packed with flavor and crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

History

String bean salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is a simple and versatile recipe that can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Steam the beans until they are soft, which should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Allow the beans to cool.
  3. Combine all the ingredients, including the string beans, except for the almonds. Keep the almonds aside and add them when you are ready to eat the salad.
  4. This salad is great when chilled on a hot day, especially when served with some BBQ goodies.

Variations

  • Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • Substitute the bacon bits with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Use a different type of dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette or lemon herb dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steam the string beans until they are just tender, as overcooking can make them mushy.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the string beans in the Italian dressing for a few hours before serving.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

String bean salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It also pairs well with sandwiches or burgers.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the string beans until they are just tender helps to retain their crunch and vibrant green color.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the pimentos with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the string bean salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the string bean salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

String bean salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, seafood, or sandwiches. It also complements other salads or vegetable dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover string 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

A serving of string bean salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

String bean salad is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This salad is a moderate source of fats, with around 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

String bean salad provides a good amount of protein, with about 8 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the string beans.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and bacon, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

String bean salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for a barbecue. With its crunchy string beans, flavorful dressing, and tasty toppings, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for string bean salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Agnes in the countryside. Aunt Agnes was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills, and I was always in awe of the delicious dishes she would whip up in her cozy kitchen.

One sunny afternoon, as we sat on the porch enjoying the fresh summer air, Aunt Agnes asked me to help her prepare dinner. I eagerly agreed, excited to learn from the master herself. As we gathered the ingredients for the meal, Aunt Agnes pulled out a well-worn recipe card for string bean salad. I watched intently as she chopped the fresh green beans, mixed in the tangy dressing, and sprinkled the crispy bacon on top.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, and when I finally did, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crunch of the beans, the sweetness of the dressing, and the saltiness of the bacon all combined to create a masterpiece of a salad. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I have perfected my own version of Aunt Agnes' string bean salad recipe. I have added my own special touches, like a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dash of fresh herbs. But the core of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the lasting influence of Aunt Agnes on my cooking style.

As I look back on that fateful day in Aunt Agnes' kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge she passed down to me. Her love of cooking and her willingness to share her recipes have shaped me into the cook I am today. I am proud to carry on her legacy through the dishes I prepare for my own family and friends.

One of my favorite memories of making string bean salad is from a summer barbecue we hosted for our neighbors. I had spent the afternoon picking fresh green beans from our garden and knew that this salad would be the perfect addition to our menu. As I tossed the beans in the tangy dressing and topped them with crispy bacon, I could already hear the oohs and ahhs of our guests as they took their first bite.

Sure enough, the string bean salad was a hit. Our neighbors couldn't get enough of the crunchy beans and flavorful dressing, and many of them asked for the recipe so they could make it at home. I was thrilled to share Aunt Agnes' recipe with them, knowing that it would bring joy and satisfaction to their own kitchens.

As I continue to cook and bake in my own kitchen, I often think back to that day with Aunt Agnes and the string bean salad that started it all. I am grateful for the gift of her recipes and the opportunity to pass them down to future generations. Cooking is more than just a way to nourish our bodies; it is a way to connect with our loved ones and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. And for that, I am truly thankful.

Categories

| Green Bean Recipes | Healthy Salads |

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