Zesty Green Bean Salad with Creamy Mustard-Caper Dressing
Enjoy a delightful blend of vibrant green beans tossed in a zesty mustard-caper vinaigrette, enriched with creamy undertones and topped with eggs for added protein. This refreshing salad makes for a perfect side dish for any dinner or a light lunch option. Ideal for summer gatherings or potlucks, it's easy to prepare, and the flavors get better as they meld together. The combination of crunchy beans and flavorful dressing creates a satisfying dish that's both healthy and delicious.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans
2 lbs (trimmed)
capers
2 tablespoons (drained)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon (to taste)
dry white wine
2 tablespoons
olive oil
1/2 cup
hard-boiled eggs
2
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
2
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them again and gently pat dry. You can prepare the beans up to a day in advance.
3
In a blender, combine the drained capers, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dry white wine. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy.
4
Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as desired. You can store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a day; just remember to whisk it before using.
5
In a large serving bowl, toss the cooled green beans with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
6
Lastly, use a sieve to grate the hard-boiled eggs over the top of the salad for added flavor and garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Zesty Green Bean Salad with a Creamy Mustard-Caper Dressing.
How many servings does this salad provide?
This recipe provides approximately 6 servings.
How long should the green beans be cooked?
The green beans should be boiled for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath?
The ice water bath is used to immediately halt the cooking process and preserve the beans' texture and color.
Can the green beans be prepared in advance?
Yes, the green beans can be prepared up to a day in advance.
What ingredients are used for the dressing?
The dressing includes drained capers, fresh lemon juice, Dijon-style mustard, dry white wine, and olive oil.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
With the blender motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe as it consists of vegetables, eggs, and a plant-based oil dressing.
How are the eggs used in this salad?
Two hard-boiled eggs are grated over the top of the salad using a sieve as a garnish and flavor enhancer.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of Dijon-style mustard.
Can the dressing be stored?
Yes, the dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day; whisk it before using.
What is the total weight of green beans needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of trimmed green beans.
What kind of wine is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dry white wine.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Are there any specific seasonings for this salad?
Yes, it is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features crunchy green beans and a creamy, zesty dressing.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its flavors meld well over time, making it ideal for summer gatherings and potlucks.
What is the preparation for the capers?
The 2 tablespoons of capers should be drained before being added to the blender.
How much lemon juice is used?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is used, which can be adjusted to taste.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable.
Does the recipe contain protein?
Yes, protein is provided by the addition of hard-boiled eggs.
Should the beans be dried after the ice bath?
Yes, they should be drained and gently patted dry before tossing with the dressing.
What tool is used to grate the eggs?
A sieve is used to grate the hard-boiled eggs over the salad.
How do you mix the salad?
Toss the cooled green beans in a large serving bowl with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
Is the dressing naturally creamy?
Yes, the slow addition of olive oil while blending creates a creamy emulsification without dairy.
Can I use this as a main lunch dish?
Yes, it is described as a light lunch option.
What are the primary flavors?
The primary flavors are zesty, mustardy, and salty from the capers.
Is there a specific instruction for salting the water?
The beans should be cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water.
What is the preparation status of the green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed before cooking.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare.