Vibrant Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Medley
This refreshing Vibrant Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Medley is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a bright burst of flavor and color to your table. I stumbled upon this recipe in Cooking Light a couple of years ago, and it quickly became a family favorite that I prepare year-round. The combination of tender green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes, enhanced with aromatic fresh oregano and a zesty red wine vinaigrette, creates a balanced dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. For added convenience, feel free to use frozen baby French green beans from Trader Joe's when fresh ones are not available. Remember, using a high-quality red wine vinegar, like a cabernet vinegar, truly elevates the taste of this salad, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
28
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green beans
1 lb (trimmed)
Cherry tomatoes
1 lb (quartered)
Fresh oregano
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Shallot
1 tablespoon (minced)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2
Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 7 minutes or until they are just tender yet still vibrant green.
3
Once cooked, drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their bright color. Drain again after a few minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled green beans, quartered cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh oregano. Toss gently to mix the ingredients together.
5
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced shallot and red wine vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6
After 10 minutes, add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the vinegar mixture. Whisk until the vinaigrette is well blended and emulsified.
7
Pour the vinaigrette over the green bean and tomato mixture. Toss gently until the vegetables are fully coated with the dressing.
8
Serve immediately or allow the salad to chill slightly in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing twist.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Medley?
It is a refreshing side dish or salad featuring tender green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette with fresh oregano.
How long should I cook the green beans?
The green beans should be boiled for 7 minutes or until they are just tender yet still vibrant green.
What is the secret to keeping the green beans bright green?
Immediately transfer the cooked beans to a bowl of ice water after boiling to halt the cooking process and preserve their color.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen baby French green beans, such as those from Trader Joe's, are a great convenience substitute when fresh ones aren't available.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of cherry tomatoes to be quartered before being added to the medley.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the vinaigrette?
A high-quality red wine vinegar, specifically a cabernet vinegar, is recommended to truly elevate the taste of the dish.
Why must the shallot and vinegar sit for 10 minutes?
Allowing the minced shallot and vinegar to sit for 10 minutes lets the flavors meld and softens the bite of the shallot.
How many calories are in this green bean medley?
There are approximately 28 calories per serving in this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains about 0.5g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this salad?
This recipe provides 1g of fiber per serving.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What herb is used to season this dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh oregano.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish and a light recipe.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 8 ingredients.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe was originally found in Cooking Light magazine.
Is this dish suitable for crowds?
Yes, it is described as a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing twist.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include salad, green beans, cherry tomatoes, vegetable dish, fresh oregano, and light recipe.
How do I emulsify the vinaigrette?
Whisk the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper into the vinegar and shallot mixture until it is well blended.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No sugar content is listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.
Is the sodium content high?
The sodium content is not specifically provided, though 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used for the entire recipe.
Can I use regular onions instead of shallots?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced shallot for a milder flavor, but minced red onion could be a substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients including vegetables, herbs, vinegar, and oil are vegan-friendly.
What equipment do I need to make this?
You will need a large pot for boiling, a bowl for the ice bath, a large mixing bowl, and a small bowl for the vinaigrette.
How should I toss the salad?
Toss the ingredients gently to ensure the vegetables are fully coated with the dressing without crushing the tomatoes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it and let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop.