Warm Haricots Verts Salad with Goat Cheese and Crispy Bacon
This delightful Warm Haricots Verts Salad combines fresh, vibrant French green beans (haricots verts) with the rich creaminess of goat cheese and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Tossed in a zesty warm dressing made from sherry wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, this salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Serve it as a stunning side dish for your next gathering, or enjoy it as a light main course. It’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
208
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
French haricots verts or thin green beans
3 lbs (Trimmed)
Bacon
1/2 lb (Sliced into thin strips)
Shallot
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (Chopped)
Sherry wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Salt and pepper
To taste
Goat cheese
1 cup (Crumbled)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the haricots verts (or thin green beans) and cook for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
2
Drain the beans and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced bacon until it is crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5
Pour in the sherry wine vinegar and stir in the Dijon mustard and dry mustard, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
6
Gradually whisk in the olive oil to create a smooth dressing. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked haricots verts with the warm dressing. Toss to coat the beans evenly.
8
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, crispy bacon, and dried cranberries over the top. Gently toss again to incorporate all ingredients before serving.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
9.2g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
2.1g
Fiber
4.2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are haricots verts?
Haricots verts are French green beans that are typically thinner and more tender than standard green beans.
Can I use regular green beans instead of haricots verts?
Yes, you can use regular green beans, but you may need to increase the boiling time slightly to ensure they are tender.
How long should I boil the beans?
The haricots verts should be boiled in salted water for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Why do I need to rinse the beans in cold water?
Rinsing them in cold water immediately after boiling stops the cooking process, preserving their bright green color and crisp texture.
How do I cook the bacon for this salad?
Slice the bacon into thin strips and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of sherry wine vinegar for a zesty and slightly sweet acidity.
Can I substitute sherry wine vinegar?
If you don't have sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are suitable alternatives.
What are the ingredients in the warm dressing?
The dressing consists of bacon drippings, chopped shallots, minced garlic, sherry wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and olive oil.
How do I incorporate the olive oil into the dressing?
Gradually whisk the olive oil into the skillet with the vinegar and mustard mixture to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese, which adds a rich creaminess to the salad.
Are there any fruits in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries is added at the end for a touch of sweetness and texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 208 calories per serving of this salad.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is served warm, as the hot dressing is tossed with the beans just before serving.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the shallots and garlic instead of bacon drippings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 16.7g of fat.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides about 7.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The salad contains 9.2g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cloves of chopped garlic sautéed with shallots.
How much bacon do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of bacon, sliced into thin strips.
How many shallots should I chop?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped shallots for the dressing base.
What kind of mustard is used?
The recipe uses both 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Is there fiber in this salad?
Yes, it contains about 2.1g of fiber per serving.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil to finish the dressing.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Toasted walnuts or pecans would make an excellent addition for extra crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it is a great side dish, the bacon and goat cheese make it hearty enough for a light main course.
What is the sugar content?
The salad contains 4.2g of sugar per serving, largely from the dried cranberries.
How much haricots verts should I buy?
The recipe specifies 3 lbs of French haricots verts or thin green beans.
Do I need to trim the beans?
Yes, the beans should be trimmed before boiling.
What cuisine is this inspired by?
This recipe is inspired by French cuisine, utilizing classic ingredients like haricots verts, shallots, and Dijon mustard.