Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes
Bursting with vibrant flavors and summer freshness, this recipe for Summer Beans with Marinated Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes is a true crowd-pleaser for warm-weather gatherings. Tender, crisp green beans are blanched to perfection and combined with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and creamy marinated mozzarella balls, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing infused with garlic and red chili flakes for a subtle kick. This quick and easy dish, ready in just 20 minutes, is a perfect vegetarian appetizer, light lunch, or side dish that highlights seasonal produce. Serve it freshly tossed or let it rest to let the flavors meld beautifully. Whether you're looking for a healthy salad idea or a colorful addition to your table, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams green beans
- 200 grams mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 60 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
- 15 milliliters red wine vinegar
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Meanwhile, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl and set it aside.
Trim the ends of the green beans. Once the water is boiling, add the beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they're tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer them to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella balls, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the mozzarella. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large serving bowl. Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl as well.
Add the blanched green beans to the serving bowl with the tomatoes and basil. Pour the marinated mozzarella (along with its marinade) over the vegetables.
Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the beans and tomatoes are fully coated in the marinade.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld further.
Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.9 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 586 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 12.1 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 484 mg | 10% | |
*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.
