Featuring the companionable flavors of fresh green beans, navy beans, and cucumber, here's a lively, refreshing salad, perfect for picnics, potlucks, and casual company buffets. Use the recommended amounts of fresh herbs as a guideline - the more, the better! Photos by Evan Atlas.
Serves: 6
- 8 ounces fresh green beans (see Note)
- 15- to 16-ounce can navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium Kirby cucumber (see Note), thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon, or more to taste
- ¼ cup minceed fresh parsley, or more, to taste
- ¼ cup minced fresh basil, or more, to taste
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or scallion, or more, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Dark green lettuce leaves or mixed baby greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Trim the tips from the green beans and cut them in half; steam until tender-crisp, then rinse under cool water. Combine with remaining ingredients, except the last two, and toss gently.
Line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves, then pour in the salad. Arrange some cherry tomato halves in a circle around the edge. Cover and refrigerate until needed or serve at once.
Notes:
- Kirby cukes are the small, firm type used for pickling. Substitute ½ medium cucumber if unavailable.
- If good, fresh green beans are unavailabe, use frozen organic green beans.
- Here are more recipes for making the most of green beans.
- Explore Bean Salads for more easy, tasty ideas.
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