Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes

Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for the warmer months. The combination of crisp green and yellow beans, creamy mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a delicious and colorful salad that is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian dish that combines fresh summer vegetables with marinated cheese. The use of seasonal ingredients like beans and tomatoes makes this dish a perfect choice for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients

2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cup cubed mozzarella
2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (basil, tarragon, oregano, and parsley)
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lb (454 g) fresh beans, any kind or a combination of green and yellow types
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

How to prepare

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shallots with vinegar.
Add cubed mozzarella, herbs, and oil.
Toss well to coat, season with salt and pepper, and marinate for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors blend.
Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and add 0.5 tsp of salt.
Drop in the beans and cook until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes for small young beans and up to 6 minutes for larger beans.
Drain the beans.
Toss the hot beans with the olive oil, shallots, tarragon, 0.5 tsp of salt, and pepper.
The beans will absorb the flavors as they cool to room temperature.
Toss in the cherry tomatoes.
Season and drizzle with additional oil and vinegar if desired.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute feta cheese for the mozzarella for a tangy twist.
Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to marinate the mozzarella for at least a few hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cook the beans until just tender to maintain their crisp texture.

- Toss the beans with the dressing while they are still warm to help them absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as a side salad with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Blanch the beans in boiling water to cook them quickly while maintaining their crisp texture.

- Marinate the mozzarella to infuse it with flavor before adding it to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of beans you prefer, such as wax beans or haricot verts.

- Substitute bocconcini or fresh mozzarella balls for the cubed mozzarella.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the cherry tomatoes right before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a fun and portable option.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes nicely with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (mozzarella)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a light summer meal.

Summary

Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the summer months. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your next summer gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes. It was a hot summer day, much like today, when I found myself wandering through the bustling farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for a family gathering. As I perused the vibrant stalls overflowing with colorful produce, my eyes landed on a beautiful display of green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Inspiration struck me in that moment, and I knew I had to create a dish that would highlight the freshness of these ingredients.

I approached the vendor, a friendly older woman with a weathered face and a warm smile. She greeted me kindly and began to explain the different varieties of beans she had available. As she spoke, I could sense her passion for her produce, and I knew that she was the perfect person to guide me in creating a delicious dish. I asked her for her recommendation on how to prepare the beans, and she eagerly shared with me her recipe for Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes.

The vendor told me that this dish was a favorite in her family, passed down through generations. She explained that the key to its success was the simplicity of the ingredients and the freshness of the produce. She handed me a handwritten recipe card, stained and faded from years of use, and I knew that I had struck gold. I thanked her profusely and made my purchase, eager to try out this new recipe for my family.

That evening, as I stood in my kitchen surrounded by the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes, I began to prepare the ingredients for the dish. I blanched the green beans in boiling water until they were tender-crisp, then plunged them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color. While the beans cooled, I sliced the cherry tomatoes in half and marinated them in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh basil.

Next, I cubed the creamy mozzarella cheese and tossed it with the marinated tomatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Finally, I added the cooled green beans to the mixture, gently tossing everything together to ensure that each bite would be bursting with freshness and flavor.

As I plated the dish and garnished it with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This recipe was more than just a dish to me – it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the traditions and stories that had been passed down through the generations. I knew that when I shared this dish with my family, I would be passing on not just a recipe, but a piece of my own history.

When my family gathered around the table that evening and took their first bites of the Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes, their eyes lit up with delight. The flavors were bright and fresh, the textures were crisp and creamy, and every bite was a symphony of taste sensations. My grandchildren, in particular, couldn't get enough of the dish, eagerly asking for seconds and thirds.

As we sat together, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a sense of deep contentment wash over me. This recipe had brought us together, creating a moment of joy and connection that would linger in our memories for years to come. And as I watched my family enjoy the fruits of my labor, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection – one that would be cherished and passed down through the generations, just like the vendor's recipe had been passed down to me.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering through a farmer's market on a hot summer day, keep an eye out for those fresh green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese. And remember, sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come from unexpected places, shared by kind strangers with a love for good food and a story to tell.