Crisp, Cold Green Bean Salad
A perfect side dish for those fresh off the vine green beans
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 pound very fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 ounces Halloumi cheese
- 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds
Dressing
- 1/3 cup low fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch salt and fresh ground pepper to taste do not over salt because the cheese and bacon are already salty
Instructions
- Pickle the onions by combining the thinly sliced onions with three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Let them sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Prepare the dressing by combining the buttermilk, lemon juice, onion and garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar. Cover the jar and shake well to combine. Set the dressing aside.
- Fill a large pot or Dutch oven with about 2 quarts of water, and bring it to a boil. Add one teaspoon of salt and the green beans. Let the beans cook for three to four minutes, or just until tender. Do not overcook. Transfer the cooked beans to a bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon. Once the beans are chilled, drain them and set them aside.
- While the green beans cook, cut the tomatoes in half. Crisp the bacon in the microwave for three to four minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Let the bacon cool and then break it into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a nonstick frying pan over high heat. Sear the slice of halloumi for about one minute on each side, or until brown on both sides. Remove it from the pan and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Place the green beans, tomatoes, pickled onion, crumbled bacon, halloumi, and pumpkin seeds in a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine everything. Serve immediately.
Notes
If desired, omit the salt when cooking the green beans. You may need to add extra salt to the dressing.
To make this ahead of time, prep the onions, green beans, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and dressing, but don't combine everything until just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 356mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 655IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 239mgIron: 1mg
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