Green bean salad

Green Bean Salad with Ham and Sour Cream Dressing

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

The green bean salad is a perfect choice for warm summer days, bringing a balance between the freshness of the vegetables and the flavor of the ingredients. This simple and quick recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also refresh your body on a scorching day. The origins of this salad are steeped in history, having been appreciated by generations as a healthy and nutritious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a side.

The ingredients you need are as follows:

- 500 g fresh green beans
- 300 g ham (preferably Prague ham, but you can also choose a smoked variant)
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh, for a more intense flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh cilantro
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil (or another quality oil)
- 200 g sour cream (with a high fat content for a creamy texture)
- 1 bell pepper, for decoration

Here’s how to prepare this green bean salad:

1. Preparing the green beans
Start by cleaning the green beans. Remove the ends and any tough fibers. After cleaning the beans, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the beans and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become slightly crunchy. It is important not to overcook them to maintain that appetizing texture.

2. Cooling the beans
After the beans are cooked, remove them from the water and transfer them to a bowl of cold water or ice. This step will stop the cooking process and help preserve the vibrant color of the vegetables.

3. Preparing the ingredients
While the beans are cooling, you can cut the ham into small cubes. The chopped garlic and cilantro can also be prepared at this stage. The cilantro will add a fresh note and a distinct flavor, so make sure it is well washed and finely chopped.

4. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained and cooled green beans, ham cubes, chopped garlic, and cilantro. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to coat all the ingredients in the delicious flavors.

5. Adding the sour cream
Finally, add the sour cream and gently mix to achieve a uniform consistency. The sour cream will bind all the ingredients together, adding extra creaminess and flavor.

6. Decorating the salad
Transfer the salad to a platter and decorate with slices of bell pepper. This will not only add a color contrast but also a sweet note, perfect for complementing the salad's flavor.

7. Serving
This green bean salad is best served immediately, but it can also be refrigerated for an hour or two to allow the flavors to blend. It is perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Practical tips:
- Always choose fresh green beans, with a vibrant color and a crisp touch. Frozen beans can also be a good option, but they may require a shorter cooking time.
- If you want to add a more exotic note, you can add a few drops of lemon or lime juice for a tangy contrast.
- Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use freshly chopped parsley or even dill.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared a few hours before serving, but it is recommended to add the sour cream and seasonings just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.

- What other dishes does this salad pair well with?
The green bean salad pairs excellently with grilled chicken, fried fish, or even as a side dish to beef dishes.

Nutritional benefits:
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion. The sour cream adds healthy fats, and the ham provides protein, making this salad a nutritious and filling option.

Calories:
A serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and oil used.

I hope you try this green bean salad recipe and that it brings a touch of flavor and freshness to your summer meals!