String bean & arugula salad with garlic & lemon
This String Bean & Arugula Salad with Garlic & Lemon features fresh green beans and peppery arugula dressed in a warm garlic and lemon oil, creating a vibrant, healthy dish. It's quick to prepare, making it an ideal side or light main course.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cups arugula
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
3 cups green beans
This String Bean & Arugula Salad with Garlic & Lemon is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish perfect for any occasion. Combining the zesty flavor of lemon, the pungent kick of garlic, and the fresh crunch of green beans, this salad is both delightful and healthy. It’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main or a side dish.
Instructions:
- Trim the ends off the green beans and rinse them under cold water.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant and begins to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon zest.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked green beans and the arugula.
- Drizzle the warm garlic and lemon-infused olive oil over the greens.
- Season with a dash of salt and black pepper.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the green beans and arugula are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
This String Bean & Arugula Salad with Garlic & Lemon is a simple yet flavorful dish that will brighten up your meal. The combination of fresh ingredients makes it a healthy and delicious choice for any time of the year. Enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors with every bite.
String bean & arugula salad with garlic & lemon FAQ:
Boil the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This timing helps retain their crunch and vibrant color.
If arugula is unavailable, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like spinach or kale. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
While you can prepare the green beans and dressing in advance, it’s best to combine the ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
If you have leftovers, store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The arugula may wilt, so it’s better to keep the dressing separate if storing.
A good quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the dressing as it adds a richer flavor. You can also use a light olive oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Tips:
- Blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes and then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more garlic if you like a stronger flavor.
- Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of lemon zest for a more elegant presentation.
- For an added crunch, toss in some toasted nuts such as almonds or pine nuts.
- If you prefer a bit of sweetness, consider adding a handful of cherry tomatoes or dried cranberries.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 30kcal
Protein 1.87g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 2.43g
Sugar 2.91g
Fat 10g
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