Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Green Bean Salad with Pecans and Gorgonzola, a tantalizing fusion of textures and flavors that's perfect for any occasion. Crisp, tender green beans are blanched to perfection, locking in their vibrant color and fresh taste, then paired with buttery toasted pecans and the bold, creamy tang of crumbled gorgonzola cheese. A homemade vinaigrette, crafted with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, ties it all together with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stunning salad is not only easy to make but also a feast for the sensesβideal as an elegant starter, a refreshing side, or even a light lunch. Enjoy it immediately for a crisp bite or chill it briefly to let the flavors harmonize beautifully.
Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends.
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
Blanch the green beans by boiling them for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant green.
Prepare a large bowl of ice water while the beans are boiling.
Drain the green beans and immediately immerse them in the ice water to stop cooking and preserve their color. Let them sit for 3-5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
In a serving bowl, combine the blanched green beans, toasted pecans, and crumbled gorgonzola.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Calories |
1735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.1 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.3 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 2870 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.6 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.0 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.6 g | ||
| Protein | 43.5 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 992 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1671 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.