Salad > Vegetable Salads > Bean Salads > French Salads

French Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound French beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the French beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the cooked French beans, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley to the mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine.

4. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve the French bean salad chilled or at room temperature.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 4 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Green beans can be used instead of French beans
- Red wine vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or basil

Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch
- Add diced avocado for creaminess

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the cooked French beans under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use a whisk to emulsify the dressing ingredients for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover French bean salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the French bean salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese.

Garnishes:
- Additional parsley or feta cheese

Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or fish.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- If the salad is too dry, add more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the French beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food history:
- French beans, also known as haricots verts, are a type of green bean that originated in France in the 19th century.

Flavor profiles:
- This French bean salad is tangy, salty, and fresh with a combination of crisp beans, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Tangy, Savory, Herby, Crunchy, Fresh