🥗 Green Bean, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad Recipe 🥗
Overview:
Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer with this vibrant Green Bean, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad! Packed with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, this dish is a breeze to whip up and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. It’s a delightful mix of crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed together in a simple yet flavorful dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a vibrant addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to please!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, cubed | 8 ounces |
| Ripe tomatoes, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 4 leaves |
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by trimming the ends of the fresh green beans and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the ripe tomatoes into small cubes.
- Cube the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the fresh basil leaves into ribbons.
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Blanch the Green Beans:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the green beans and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, diced tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve the Green Bean, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
🌟 Recipe Notes:
- For added crunch, you can also toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 295.7
- Total Fat: 21.3g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: 44.8mg
- Sodium: 851mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.2g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 14.9g
💡 Cooking Tips:
- To save time, you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use the best quality mozzarella cheese you can find for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
🌿 Enjoy the Freshness!
This Green Bean, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad is a celebration of summer flavors that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat! Bursting with color, texture, and taste, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of fresh veggies, love the creamy goodness of mozzarella, or just want a healthier option, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients, mix them together, and savor every delightful bite of this sensational salad! 🥗✨
