| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 12.4g | 1.8g | 14.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8.1g | 4.5g | 2.6g | 0.2g |
Why I Love Portuguese Green Bean Salad with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette
Picture this: the sun is shining, a gentle California breeze rustles through the valley, and on your plate gleams a vivid array of farm-fresh green beans, ripened tomatoes, all dressed in a vibrant vinaigrette. You’re about to dig into a dish aptly named the Portuguese Green Bean Salad with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette. It’s a heart-healthy plate of color, flavors, and textures that screams summer and invites you to enjoy the peaks of the season’s bounty.
Sharing The Love of Fresh Produce
What I adore about this recipe is its ability to showcase just how beautiful and flavorful fresh produce can be. Born and raised in sunny California, farm-fresh produce has always been prominent in my kitchen. My culinary style hovers somewhere between health-consciousness that my West Coast upbringing instilled in me and hearty comfort food that so many of us crave. This green bean salad will satisfy both those areas seamlessly.
The tang of red wine vinegar in the dressing, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the crunch of perfectly cooked green beans, and the subtle kick of red onions brings a harmony of flavors in every bite. This salad is a testament to the cooking philosophy that has always resonated with me — simple ingredients, prepared with love, yielding extraordinary results.
A Twist on Traditional Recipes
With the Green Bean Salad with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette, I was inspired by the traditional Portuguese cuisine, particularly their fresh and vibrant salads, like tomato salad. By incorporating green beans, I added an element of substance to the dish that blends beautifully with the flavor portal of basil-infused vinaigrette.
This salad can be a great accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, pairing well with the smoky, charred flavors of the grill. Or have it by itself for a light yet satisfying lunch, just like what I often prepare for my three lovely children. They are probably the most brutally honest critics of my culinary experiments, and I’m happy to report that this salad has received their stamp of approval more than once.
Whether it’s a casual family dinner on the patio or a dinner party with friends, this green bean salad will be an instant crowd-pleaser, and I hope it will find a home in your recipe repertoire soon.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Afterward, drain the beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to cool and stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the prepared green beans, the diced tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Toss these ingredients gently to mix them together.
Step Three
In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped fresh basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This will be the basil vinaigrette for the salad.
Step Four
Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the green bean, tomato, and onion mixture. To ensure all the elements of your salad are coated with the vinaigrette, toss all ingredients together until well combined.
Step Five
For optimal flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. If you are not serving the salad immediately, cover and refrigerate it, but be sure to return it to room temperature before serving.
Step Six
This vibrant and fresh salad is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side dish with your main course. Bon appétit!
