Green beans make a nice canvas for rich cheese and olives, sweet roasted peppers and a tangy dressing. Add a few toasted walnuts for crunch, and a salad is born!
Ingredients
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup vinegar (red wine, balsamic or any flavored vinegar)
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon rind
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) herbs, such as thyme, oregano, marjoram
4 cups fresh green beans, cooked and cut into 2-inch pieces
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
½ cup sliced kalamata olives
½ cup roasted red peppers, cut into small strips
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon rind, garlic and herbs together until emulsified. Add green beans, onion, cheese, olives and peppers. Toss gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, top with toasted walnuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature, but the longer you wait, the better the flavors will have combined. May be served as a side dish, or as a main dish, combined with cooked chicken, salmon or shrimp.