Description
Ina Garten’s classic French string bean salad delivers crisp elegance with tender green beans and zesty vinaigrette. Mediterranean flavors shine through simple, fresh ingredients that complement any summer meal or elegant dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) French string beans, both ends trimmed
- 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsps white wine vinegar
- 0.5 cups (120 ml) good olive oil
- 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps minced fresh dill
Instructions
- Blanching Prep: Create an ice water bath in a large container to instantly cool and preserve the vibrant green beans’ color and texture.
- Boiling Process: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil, then immerse string beans for precisely one minute to achieve crisp-tender perfection while maintaining their emerald brilliance.
- Cooling Technique: Immediately transfer beans from boiling water into the ice bath, halting the cooking process and locking in their fresh, verdant characteristics. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Gradually stream olive oil while continuously whisking to form a silky, well-emulsified dressing.
- Salad Assembly: Gently toss the dried beans in a serving bowl with the prepared vinaigrette, ensuring each bean is elegantly coated. Sprinkle freshly chopped dill throughout, delicately folding to distribute herbs evenly.
- Flavor Development: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature, permitting the flavors to harmonize. For advanced preparation, refrigerate and revive with an additional drizzle of vinaigrette just before serving.
Notes
- Chill Beans Instantly: Use an ice bath to stop cooking, lock in bright green color, and maintain crisp texture immediately after blanching.
- Precise Blanching Matters: Cook green beans exactly 60 seconds to achieve perfect tenderness without losing vibrant color or nutritional value.
- Emulsify Dressing Carefully: Slowly stream olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, well-combined vinaigrette that coats beans evenly.
- Flavor Develop Technique: Let salad rest at room temperature to allow herbs and dressing to meld, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg